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intercalated disc
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Illustration of a human heart cross-section showing four chambers-left and right atria and ventricles-with labeled major blood vessels. An inset highlights cardiac muscle tissue, showing myocytes and intercalated disks.
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intercalated disc

anatomy
Also known as: intercalated disk
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Quick Summary

Illustration of a human heart cross-section showing four chambers-left and right atria and ventricles-with labeled major blood vessels. An inset highlights cardiac muscle tissue, showing myocytes and intercalated disks.
Human heart The human heart is both a pump and a muscle. Its four chambers move blood efficiently, while cardiac muscle cells joined by intercalated disks synchronize each contraction.

Intercalated discs are specialized junctions found in cardiac muscle tissue, which makes up the heart. These discs connect individual cardiac muscle cells, forming a continuous network that allows for coordinated contractions.12

Key features of intercalated discs:
* Cell-to-cell communication: They facilitate the rapid transmission of electrical signals between cells, essential for the heart's rhythmic beating.12
* Structure: They are composed of gap junctions, which create channels for ions and small molecules to pass directly from one cell to another.1
* Function: This communication ensures that the heart muscle contracts as a unified unit, efficiently pumping blood throughout the body.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. human cardiovascular system - Wall of the heart
  2. cardiac muscle

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