6 Questions
What is the primary function of desmosomes and gap junctions in cardiac muscle?
To physically coordinate the contraction of individual cardiac myocytes
Which cellular structures in myocytes support contraction by causing a sarcomere to shorten?
The contractile apparatus
Why is modulation of calcium-induced calcium release important for contractility in cardiac muscle?
To adjust the force of muscle contraction based on the amount of calcium available
Which ion currents are primarily responsible for the cardiac action potential?
Sodium and potassium currents
Why do cardiac cells not undergo tetany unlike skeletal muscle cells?
Cardiac cells have a longer refractory period than skeletal muscle cells
What is the primary function of the Purkinje fibers in the heart?
To serve as a pacemaker by generating the electrical impulses for heart contraction
Learn about the structures supporting the cardiac syncytium, including desmosomes and gap junctions, and how they coordinate heart function. Explore the cellular structures in myocytes that support contraction, such as the contractile apparatus, and understand how a sarcomere shortens. Dive into the concept of excitation-contraction coupling (E-CC) in cardiac muscle and its modulation of calcium-induced processes.
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