Question

State the location and function of cardiac muscle. (p. 82)

Short answer

Answer: Cardiac muscle, also known as myocardium, is located within the walls of the heart, specifically forming the middle layer between the inner endocardium and the outer epicardium. Its primary function is to contract and relax the heart, enabling it to pump blood throughout the body while maintaining a regular heartbeat. This is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and removing waste products, and thus plays a vital role in supporting the cardiovascular system.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Cardiac Muscle

Cardiac muscle, also known as the myocardium, is a unique type of muscle tissue that is found only in the heart. It is responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the heart, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body.

Location of Cardiac Muscle

Cardiac muscle is specifically located within the walls of the heart. The myocardium forms the middle layer of the heart, sandwiched between the inner endocardium and the outer epicardium.

Function of Cardiac Muscle

The primary function of cardiac muscle is to contract and relax the heart, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body. It has the unique ability to generate its own electrical signals, which trigger its contractions. This automaticity ensures that the heart maintains a regular rhythm, known as the heartbeat, in order to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and remove waste products. This essential role in sustaining life is the reason why cardiac muscle is such a vital component of the cardiovascular system.