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Cardiac Myocytes

Meaning

The specialized, striated muscle cells that constitute the myocardium, or the muscular tissue of the heart. These cells are fundamentally responsible for the heart’s contractile force, enabling the rhythmic pumping of blood throughout the circulatory system. Functionally, cardiac myocytes exhibit automaticity, rhythmicity, and contractility, which are critical properties for maintaining a stable heart rate and cardiac output. Their unique structure includes intercalated discs, which facilitate rapid electrical coupling and synchronized contraction across the heart muscle.