Question:
Which muscle is described as functional syncytium?
Which muscle is described as functional syncytium?
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Functional syncytium refers to cells working as one due to electrical connections; cardiac muscle is the prime example.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
- Smooth muscle
- Unstriated muscle
- Visceral muscle
- Cardiac muscle
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Define functional syncytium.
- A functional syncytium is a group of cells that function as a single unit due to the presence of intercalated discs or gap junctions.
Step 2: Cardiac muscle characteristics.
- Cardiac muscle is striated and involuntary.
- Cells are connected by intercalated discs, allowing rapid transmission of electrical signals.
Step 3: Functional unity.
- This connection allows all cardiac cells to contract simultaneously, producing a coordinated heartbeat.
Step 4: Comparison with other muscles.
- Smooth muscle: not striated, contracts slowly, not a functional syncytium.
- Unstriated muscle: another term for smooth muscle.
- Visceral muscle: found in organs, also smooth, not syncytium.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, cardiac muscle functions as a functional syncytium.
- A functional syncytium is a group of cells that function as a single unit due to the presence of intercalated discs or gap junctions.
Step 2: Cardiac muscle characteristics.
- Cardiac muscle is striated and involuntary.
- Cells are connected by intercalated discs, allowing rapid transmission of electrical signals.
Step 3: Functional unity.
- This connection allows all cardiac cells to contract simultaneously, producing a coordinated heartbeat.
Step 4: Comparison with other muscles.
- Smooth muscle: not striated, contracts slowly, not a functional syncytium.
- Unstriated muscle: another term for smooth muscle.
- Visceral muscle: found in organs, also smooth, not syncytium.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, cardiac muscle functions as a functional syncytium.
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