Which muscle type is striated and has intercalated discs?

The muscle type that is striated and features intercalated discs is cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is unique in its structure and functional characteristics. The striations in cardiac muscle are due to the organized arrangement of myofilaments, which is similar to skeletal muscle. However, what truly distinguishes cardiac muscle is the presence of intercalated discs, specialized structures that connect individual cardiac muscle cells (myocytes) to one another.

These intercalated discs contain gap junctions and desmosomes. Gap junctions facilitate the rapid spread of electrical impulses between cells, allowing for synchronized contractions of the heart, which is essential for effective pumping of blood. Desmosomes provide mechanical stability, ensuring that the muscle cells do not separate during the powerful contractions of the heart.

This combination of striations for contraction control and intercalated discs for cellular communication makes cardiac muscle particularly well-suited for its role in the cardiovascular system, showcasing how its unique morphology is perfectly adapted to its function.