What structures are found in intercalated discs?

Intercalated discs are part of the sarcolemma and contain two structures important in cardiac muscle contraction: gap junctions and desmosomes. A gap junction forms channels between adjacent cardiac muscle fibers that allow the depolarizing current produced by cations to flow from one cardiac muscle cell to the next.

Where is the intercalated discs located?

Intercalated discs are located at the longitudinal ends of cardiomyocyte to form cell–cell coupling critical in propagation of action potentials. Both Cx43 gap junctions and voltage-gated sodium channels are present at intercalated discs.

Where are intercalated discs most likely found?

Intercalated discs are unique structural formations found between the myocardial cells of the heart. They play vital roles in bonding cardiac muscle cells together and in transmitting signals between cells.

What can be found inside of intercalated discs quizlet?

Intercalated discs: Cardiac muscle cells are connected to neighboring cells at specialized cell junctions known as intercalated discs. Intercalated discs are unique to cardiac muscle tissue.

What kind of structures are found in intercalated discs?

Three types of special structures — fascia adherens, desmosomes, and gap junctions — are found in the intercalated discs to help in the connection of the cardiac muscle cells. The fascia adherens are bands of proteins that connect the actin filaments of the sarcomeres in each cardiac muscle fiber to the sarcomere in…

Why are intercalated discs important to cardiac muscle cells?

They play vital roles in bonding cardiac muscle cells together and in transmitting signals between cells. The ends of each cardiac muscle cell form intercalated discs where they meet neighboring cardiac muscle cells.

What happens to desmosomes during an intercalated disc?

Intercalated disc. Desmosomes stop separating during contraction by binding filaments, joining the cells together. Desmosomes are also known as macula adherens. Gap junctions allow action potentials to spread between cardiac cells by permitting the passage of ions between cells, producing depolarization of the heart muscle. Molecular,…

Why are gap junctions important in the intercalated disc?

Intercalated disc. Gap junctions allow action potentials to spread between cardiac cells by permitting the passage of ions between cells, producing depolarization of the heart muscle. Molecular, biological, and comprehensive studies have shown that intercalated discs consist for the most part of mixed type adherens junctions,…