Cardiac muscles

Cardiac Muscles

A microscopic image of cardiac muscle

The cardiac muscles or myocardium are a specialized type of muscle tissue that forms the heart. Unlike other types of muscle tissue, such as skeletal muscle and smooth muscle, cardiac muscle is involuntary and can contract without external stimulation.

Structure

Cardiac muscle tissue is striated, like skeletal muscle, due to the presence of sarcomeres, the basic units of muscle contraction. However, unlike skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, are typically branched and interconnected, forming a complex network.

Function

The primary function of the cardiac muscles is to contract and pump blood throughout the body. This is achieved through a process known as the cardiac cycle, which involves a series of coordinated contractions and relaxations.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the cardiac muscle, such as cardiomyopathy, can lead to heart failure and other serious health problems. Treatment options for these conditions include medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, heart transplantation.

See also

• Heart
• Muscle tissue
• Cardiac cycle
• Cardiomyopathy