Kardiomyociták

Kardiomyociták, also known as cardiac myocytes or heart muscle cells, are the specialized muscle cells that form the tissue of the heart. These cells are responsible for the rhythmic contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Kardiomyociták are unique in several ways. They are striated, meaning they have a striped appearance under a microscope, similar to skeletal muscle cells, due to the organized arrangement of contractile proteins. However, unlike skeletal muscle, kardiomyociták are involuntary, meaning their contraction is not under conscious control.

A key characteristic of kardiomyociták is their intercalated discs. These are specialized junctions that connect adjacent cardiac muscle cells. Intercalated discs contain gap junctions, which allow electrical impulses to pass rapidly from one cell to another, enabling the heart to contract in a coordinated and efficient manner. They also contain desmosomes, which provide strong structural connections, preventing the cells from pulling apart during contraction.

Kardiomyociták are highly metabolically active and rely heavily on aerobic respiration for energy production. They are packed with mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, to meet their constant energy demands. The structure of kardiomyociták allows for both force generation and electrical conductivity, essential functions for the heart's role as a pump. Damage or dysfunction of these cells can lead to various forms of heart disease, collectively known as cardiomyopathies.