Asked by Trista Adams on Jul 17, 2024
Verified
Cardiac muscle cells have ____ that connect cytoplasm of adjacent cells.
A) sarcomeres
B) a pericardium
C) tight junctions
D) gap junctions
E) desmosomes
Cardiac Muscle Cells
Specialized muscle cells found in the heart that contract to pump blood throughout the body, characterized by their striated appearance and intercalated discs.
Gap Junctions
Specialized intercellular connections that allow for direct communication between the cytoplasm of two cells, enabling the transfer of ions and molecules.
Cytoplasm
The material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus, filled with organelles and is the site of most cellular activities.
- Describe the structure and function of the heart.
Verified Answer
IG
Isaias GutierrezJul 21, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Gap junctions are specialized protein channels that allow for the diffusion of ions and other small molecules between adjacent cells, allowing for coordinated contraction of cardiac muscle cells. Sarcomeres are repeating units of organized protein filaments within muscle cells, while the pericardium is a thin, protective sac that surrounds the heart. Tight junctions and desmosomes are types of cell junctions found in epithelial tissues, but are not present in cardiac muscle cells.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the structure and function of the heart.