What is the Difference Between Skeletal Muscle and Cardiac Muscle?

Skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle are two distinct types of muscle tissue in the human body, each with unique characteristics and functions. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Location and function: Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are responsible for voluntary movements and maintaining posture. Cardiac muscle, on the other hand, is found exclusively in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
2. Control: Skeletal muscles are controlled by the somatic nervous system, meaning they are under voluntary control. Cardiac muscles are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, making them involuntary and self-stimulating.
3. Structure: Skeletal muscle cells, or fibers, are cylindrical, multinucleated, and striated. Cardiac muscle cells are semi-spindle shaped, uninucleated, striated, and have a single central nucleus.
4. Speed of contraction: Skeletal muscles have a faster speed of contraction compared to cardiac muscles.
5. Gap junctions: Cardiac muscle cells have gap junctions, which are not present in skeletal muscle cells.
6. Endomysium: The endomysium, the connective tissue surrounding individual muscle fibers, is less dense in cardiac muscle than in skeletal muscle.

In summary, skeletal muscles are voluntary, fast-contracting muscles responsible for movement and posture, while cardiac muscles are involuntary, slow-contracting muscles that propel blood throughout the body.

Comparative Table: Skeletal Muscle vs Cardiac Muscle

Here is a table comparing the differences between skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle:

Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are under voluntary control, while cardiac muscles are found in the heart and are involuntary. Skeletal muscles have a fast speed of contraction and are innervated by somatic motor neurons as part of a motor unit. Cardiac muscles have a slower, rhythmic contraction and are self-stimulating, with each cell controlled by both the nervous and endocrine systems.