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]]