THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF CARDIAC MUSCLE TISSUE

Cardiac muscle tissue is a highly specialized and involuntary striated muscle type that forms the myocardium, the muscular layer of the heart. It possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from skeletal and smooth muscles, including the presence of intercalated discs, autorhythmicity, and an extensive mitochondrial network. This thesis explores the structure and function of cardiac muscle tissue at cellular and molecular levels, discussing its role in maintaining cardiovascular function. It also reviews global research on cardiac histology, electrophysiology, and regenerative medicine, emphasizing the significance of these studies in understanding and treating heart diseases.