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

Types of Muscle Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Types of Muscle Tissue

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1:35 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

A type of cell junction common in cardiac and smooth muscle tissues is the
(a) Hemidesmosome
(b) Basal junction
(c) Tight junction
(d) Gap junction

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of cell junctions: Cell junctions are specialized structures that connect cells to each other or to the extracellular matrix. They play roles in communication, adhesion, and maintaining tissue integrity.

Review the types of cell junctions: Hemidesmosomes anchor cells to the extracellular matrix, basal junctions are not a recognized type of junction, tight junctions prevent leakage between cells, and gap junctions allow direct communication between cells.

Focus on cardiac and smooth muscle tissues: These tissues require synchronized contraction and communication between cells, which is facilitated by the exchange of ions and small molecules.

Identify the junction type that allows communication: Gap junctions consist of connexons (protein channels) that enable the transfer of ions and small molecules, crucial for coordinated muscle contractions.

Conclude that the correct answer is gap junctions, as they are essential for the electrical and chemical communication required in cardiac and smooth muscle tissues.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cell Junctions

Cell junctions are specialized structures that connect adjacent cells, facilitating communication and structural integrity within tissues. They play crucial roles in maintaining tissue architecture and function, particularly in muscle and epithelial tissues.

Gap Junctions

Gap junctions are intercellular channels that allow for direct communication between neighboring cells. They enable the transfer of ions and small molecules, which is essential for synchronized contraction in cardiac and smooth muscle tissues, promoting coordinated activity.

Muscle Tissue Types

Muscle tissues are classified into three types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. Cardiac and smooth muscle tissues are involuntary and are characterized by their ability to contract rhythmically and continuously, relying on specialized cell junctions like gap junctions for effective function.