Which statement about the vertebrate heart is true?
A) Intercalated discs are areas of physical weakness between adjacent cells.
B) Gap junctions provide strong mechanical adhesions between adjacent cells.
C) Pacemaker cells initiate the heartbeat and lack actin and myosin filaments.
D) Gap junctions electrically couple cardiac muscle cells.
E) The vertebrate heart is arrhythmic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gap junctions are channels that allow for electrical and chemical communication between adjacent cells. In the heart, gap junctions electrically couple cardiac muscle cells, allowing for coordinated contraction and the generation of a rhythmic heartbeat.

Which Statement About the Vertebrate Heart Is True