Cardiac myocytes

Cardiac Myocytes are specialized muscle cells found in the heart that are responsible for the heart's contractile function. They are also known as cardiomyocytes or heart muscle cells.

Structure

Cardiac myocytes are elongated, tubular cells that are approximately 100 micrometers in length and 10-20 micrometers in diameter. They contain a single, centrally located nucleus and are surrounded by a cell membrane known as the sarcolemma. The interior of the cell is filled with myofibrils, which are the contractile elements of the cell.

Function

The primary function of cardiac myocytes is to contract and relax, thereby enabling the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This is achieved through a process known as excitation-contraction coupling, which involves the transmission of an electrical signal from the cell's surface to its interior, triggering the release of calcium ions and the subsequent contraction of the myofibrils.

Types

There are two main types of cardiac myocytes: contractile cells and pacemaker cells. Contractile cells make up the majority of the heart muscle and are responsible for the heart's pumping action. Pacemaker cells, on the other hand, generate the electrical signals that regulate the heart's rhythm.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in cardiac myocytes can lead to a variety of heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Research into the biology of cardiac myocytes is therefore crucial for the development of new treatments for these conditions.

See Also

• Cardiac muscle
• Cardiac physiology
• Heart disease