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Multiple Choice
How do smooth muscle myocytes differ from cardiomyocytes?
A
Smooth muscle myocytes are involuntary and non-striated, whereas cardiomyocytes are involuntary and striated.
B
Smooth muscle myocytes are multinucleated, whereas cardiomyocytes are uninucleated.
C
Smooth muscle myocytes are striated, while cardiomyocytes are not.
D
Smooth muscle myocytes have intercalated discs, while cardiomyocytes do not.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic characteristics of smooth muscle myocytes: They are involuntary, non-striated, and typically uninucleated. They are found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels.
Understand the basic characteristics of cardiomyocytes: They are involuntary, striated, and usually have a single nucleus. They are specialized muscle cells found in the heart and are responsible for its contraction.
Compare the striation patterns: Smooth muscle myocytes are non-striated, meaning they do not have the banded appearance seen in striated muscles. Cardiomyocytes, on the other hand, are striated, showing a banded pattern due to the organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments.
Examine the presence of intercalated discs: Cardiomyocytes have intercalated discs, which are specialized connections between cells that facilitate synchronized contraction of the heart muscle. Smooth muscle myocytes do not have intercalated discs.
Consider the number of nuclei: Smooth muscle myocytes are typically uninucleated, meaning they have one nucleus per cell. Cardiomyocytes are also generally uninucleated, but can sometimes be binucleated. This is a point of similarity rather than difference.