The intercalated disc of cardiac muscle cells possess a specialized form of communicating junction termed a(n)________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The specialized form of communicating junction found in the intercalated discs of cardiac muscle cells is the gap junction. Gap junctions allow for direct passage of ions and small molecules between cells, allowing for coordinated electrical and metabolic activity in the heart. Desmosomes (A) and macula adherens (B) are types of anchoring junctions that provide mechanical stability to tissues. Fascia adherens (D) is a specialized form of adherens junction found in cardiac muscle cells. CAMs (E) are cell adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell interactions, but they do not form specialized junctions like those found in the intercalated discs.

The Intercalated Disc of Cardiac Muscle Cells Possess a Specialized