What is the function of an intercalated disc?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the role or function of intercalated discs, which are specialized structures in cardiac muscle tissue. These discs play a crucial role in facilitating communication and coordination among cardiac muscle cells, allowing for efficient heart contractions.
Answer
Intercalated discs ensure coordinated contraction of cardiac muscle cells.
The function of intercalated discs is to ensure that cardiac muscle cells function as a well-coordinated unit, holding and binding the cells together, and transmitting contractile force to enable synchronized contraction.
Answer for screen readers
The function of intercalated discs is to ensure that cardiac muscle cells function as a well-coordinated unit, holding and binding the cells together, and transmitting contractile force to enable synchronized contraction.
More Information
Intercalated discs support both mechanical attachment and electrical communication between cardiac muscle cells, essential for the heart's pumping action.
Sources
- Intercalated disc | anatomy - Britannica - britannica.com
- Intercalated disc - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Intercalated Discs: Heart Structure, Signal Conduction & Function - innerbody.com