What type of muscle is primarily found in the heart?

Cardiac muscle is the type of muscle primarily found in the heart. This specialized muscle tissue is unique to the heart and is responsible for the involuntary contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle cells, or myocytes, are characterized by their striated appearance, which is similar to skeletal muscle, but they are branched and interconnected in a way that enables coordinated contractions. This interconnection is facilitated by structures called intercalated discs, which allow for rapid communication between the cells, ensuring that the heart beats in a coordinated manner.

In contrast to skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control and can be consciously moved, and smooth muscle, which is found in various organs and is also under involuntary control, cardiac muscle operates autonomously. This autonomy is crucial for maintaining a consistent heartbeat and responding to the body’s varying demands for blood flow. Because the heart never tires as it works continuously throughout a person’s life, cardiac muscle has unique properties that make it different from the other muscle types.