Cardiac muscle fibers are

Study for the NHCO Phlebotomy Test. Experience flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your phlebotomy exam!

Multiple Choice

Cardiac muscle fibers are

Explanation:
Cardiac muscle fibers are striated and branch to form a network in the heart. The striations reflect organized sarcomeres, like skeletal muscle, while the branching and intercellular intercalated discs (with gap junctions and desmosomes) enable rapid electrical coupling and mechanical unity so the heart contracts as one coordinated pump. This tissue is involuntary, driven by the autonomic nervous system and the heart’s intrinsic conduction system, not under conscious control. It is distinct from smooth muscle, which is non-striated and spindle-shaped.

Cardiac muscle fibers are striated and branch to form a network in the heart. The striations reflect organized sarcomeres, like skeletal muscle, while the branching and intercellular intercalated discs (with gap junctions and desmosomes) enable rapid electrical coupling and mechanical unity so the heart contracts as one coordinated pump. This tissue is involuntary, driven by the autonomic nervous system and the heart’s intrinsic conduction system, not under conscious control. It is distinct from smooth muscle, which is non-striated and spindle-shaped.

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