Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Muscle Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Muscle Tissue

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Multiple Choice

Which type of muscle cells contain both desmosomes and gap junctions?

Myofibroblasts

Cardiac muscle cells

Skeletal muscle cells

Smooth muscle cells

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structural features of cardiac muscle cells. Cardiac muscle cells are specialized for contraction and communication. They contain intercalated discs, which are unique structures that house both desmosomes and gap junctions.

Step 2: Learn the function of desmosomes. Desmosomes are responsible for anchoring cells together, providing mechanical strength to withstand the stress of contraction.

Step 3: Learn the function of gap junctions. Gap junctions allow for direct electrical and chemical communication between adjacent cells, enabling synchronized contraction of the heart muscle.

Step 4: Compare cardiac muscle cells to other muscle types. Skeletal muscle cells lack intercalated discs and do not contain gap junctions or desmosomes. Smooth muscle cells may have gap junctions but do not have desmosomes. Myofibroblasts are not true muscle cells and do not contain these structures.

Step 5: Conclude that cardiac muscle cells are the only type of muscle cells that contain both desmosomes and gap junctions, making them uniquely suited for their role in the heart.