[Campbell Biology P.928] Intercalated disks are a characteristic feature of which type of mu... | Practice Question

Intercalated disks are a characteristic feature of which type of muscle tissue and what is their primary function?

  • A: Skeletal muscle; facilitate voluntary contractions.
  • B: Smooth muscle; enable involuntary churning and constriction.
  • C: Cardiac muscle; relay signals from cell to cell and synchronize heart contraction.
  • D: Nervous tissue; provide insulation for axons.

Explanation

Intercalated disks are unique to cardiac muscle. They are specialized junctions that interconnect branched cardiac muscle fibers, allowing for rapid signal transmission between cells and ensuring synchronized contraction of the heart.