Intercalated disc
Intercalated Disc
Intercalated disc (pronunciation: in-ter-kal-ay-ted disk) is a specialized structure found in the cardiac muscle tissue. The term originates from the Latin words 'inter' meaning 'between' and 'calatus' meaning 'inserted'.
Definition
An intercalated disc is a unique cellular junction that connects cardiomyocytes, the muscle cells in the heart. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of the heart and facilitating the rapid transmission of electrical signals, which is essential for coordinated heart contractions.
Structure
Intercalated discs are composed of three types of cell junctions: desmosomes, gap junctions, and adherens junctions. Desmosomes provide mechanical strength by binding cells together, gap junctions allow for electrical communication between cells, and adherens junctions link the cell cytoskeletons of adjacent cells.
Function
The primary function of intercalated discs is to synchronize heart contractions by allowing the rapid passage of electrical impulses between cardiomyocytes. This ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner, pumping blood throughout the body.
Clinical Significance
Abnormalities in intercalated disc structure or function can lead to various cardiac diseases, including cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of intercalated discs in heart health and disease.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intercalated disc
- Wikipedia's article - Intercalated disc
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