Heart muscle
Heart Muscle
The heart muscle, also known as the myocardium, is a type of muscle tissue that is unique to the heart. It is responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the heart, which allows it to pump blood throughout the body.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The heart muscle is composed of three layers: the epicardium (outer layer), the myocardium (middle layer), and the endocardium (inner layer). The myocardium is the thickest layer and is made up of cardiac muscle cells or cardiomyocytes. These cells are connected by intercalated discs, which allow for the rapid transmission of electrical signals across the heart muscle.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the heart muscle is to pump blood throughout the body. It does this by contracting and relaxing in a rhythmic cycle known as the cardiac cycle. The contraction of the heart muscle is triggered by electrical signals that originate from the sinoatrial node (SA node), also known as the heart's natural pacemaker.
Diseases and Conditions[edit | edit source]
There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the heart muscle, including:
- Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by a viral infection.
- Coronary artery disease: A disease caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
- Heart failure: A condition in which the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for diseases and conditions of the heart muscle depends on the specific condition and its severity. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery or heart transplantation.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
