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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of desmosomes and gap junctions in cardiac muscle?
What is the primary function of desmosomes and gap junctions in cardiac muscle?
- To physically coordinate the contraction of individual cardiac myocytes (correct)
- To generate the cardiac action potential
- To modulate calcium-induced calcium release in cardiac muscle
- To support the flow of depolarization through the conducting pathway
Which cellular structures in myocytes support contraction by causing a sarcomere to shorten?
Which cellular structures in myocytes support contraction by causing a sarcomere to shorten?
- Gap junctions
- Ion currents
- Desmosomes
- The contractile apparatus (correct)
Why is modulation of calcium-induced calcium release important for contractility in cardiac muscle?
Why is modulation of calcium-induced calcium release important for contractility in cardiac muscle?
- To coordinate heart function through the electrically synchronized activity of myocytes
- To regulate the flow of depolarization through the conducting pathway
- To adjust the force of muscle contraction based on the amount of calcium available (correct)
- To generate an action potential in pacemaker cells
Which ion currents are primarily responsible for the cardiac action potential?
Which ion currents are primarily responsible for the cardiac action potential?
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Why do cardiac cells not undergo tetany unlike skeletal muscle cells?
Why do cardiac cells not undergo tetany unlike skeletal muscle cells?
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What is the primary function of the Purkinje fibers in the heart?
What is the primary function of the Purkinje fibers in the heart?
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