Cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, are found exclusively in the heart. They are short, branched, and typically contain one or two central nuclei. These cells also exhibit striations, similar to skeletal muscle cells, but they are distinct due to the presence of intercalated discs. These discs contain gap junctions and desmosomes, facilitating synchronized contraction and mechanical stability. Cardiac muscle cells are under involuntary control, regulated by the autonomic nervous system and intrinsic pacemaker activity.
