Intercalated disc
1201084
216536973
2008-06-02T02:24:01Z
Tkjazzer
1179883
An '''intercalated disc''' is an undulating double membrane separating adjacent cells in [[cardiac muscle]] fibers. Intercalated discs support synchronized contraction of cardiac tissue. They can easily be visualized by a longitudinal section of the tissue.
Three types of membrane junctions exist within an intercalated disc—[[fascia adherens]], [[macula adherens]] (aka desmosomes), and [[gap junction]]s.
* ''Fascia adherens'' are anchoring sites for [[actin]], and connects to the closest [[sarcomere]].
* ''Macula adherens'' stop separation during contraction by binding intermediate filaments joining the cells together also called a desmosome.
* ''Gap junctions'' allow [[action potential]]s to spread between cardiac cells by permitting the passage of ions between cells, producing [[depolarization]] of the heart muscle.
When observing cardiac tissue through a microscope, intercalated discs are an identifying feature of cardiac muscle.
==See also==
* [[Gap junction]]
* [[Cardiac muscle]]
==External links==
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Intercalated+disc}}
* {{BUHistology|22502loa}} - "Ultrastructure of the Cell: cardiac muscle, intercalated disk "
{{Muscle tissue}}
{{circulatory-stub}}
[[Category:Cardiac anatomy]]
[[ja:介在板]]
[[pt:Disco intercalar]]