Differences Between Cardiac Muscles and Striated Muscles
Cardiac muscles and striated (skeletal) muscles are both types of muscle tissue in the human body, but they have distinct characteristics and functions.
Structure
- Cardiac Muscles:
- Composed of branched, intercalated cells.
- Cells contain one or two centrally located nuclei.
- Striations are present but less pronounced than in skeletal muscles.
- Striated Muscles:
- Composed of long, cylindrical fibers.
- Multinucleated with nuclei located at the periphery.
- Clear, prominent striations due to organized myofibrils.
Control Mechanism
- Cardiac Muscles:
- Involuntary control, regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
- Pacemaker cells initiate contractions autonomously.
- Striated Muscles:
- Voluntary control, primarily regulated by the somatic nervous system.
- Contraction is initiated by neural stimulation from motor neurons.
Function
- Cardiac Muscles:
- Specialized for continuous rhythmic contractions to pump blood throughout the body.
- Adapted to resist fatigue and function for a lifetime.
- Striated Muscles:
- Responsible for movement and posture; can contract quickly, but fatigue more easily.
- Play a significant role in locomotion and body movements.
Location
- Cardiac Muscles:
- Found exclusively in the heart.
- Striated Muscles:
- Found attached to the skeleton throughout the body.
In summary, while both cardiac and striated muscles are striated, they differ significantly in their structure, control mechanisms, functions, and locations within the body.