What are the differences between skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Skeletal muscles

Cardiac muscles

Definition

Are found throughout the body attached to various bones with the help of tendons

Are found only in the heart

Type of cell

Multinucleated with several peripheral nuclei

Uni-nucleated with a single centrally located nucleus

Appearance

Appear as long, striated cylindrical fibers with multiple nuclei

Appear as short, striated branched fibers with a single nucleus

Size

Relatively longer

Relatively shorter

Shape

Cylindrical

Semi-spindle

Gap junctions

Absent

Present

Function

Are responsible for movement and maintaining posture

Are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body

Control

Are voluntary muscles under conscious control; somatic nervous system

Are involuntary muscles, not under conscious control; autonomic nervous system

Type of contraction

Contract in response to nerve impulses

Contract continuously and rhythmically to pump blood

Risk of fatigue

Are more likely to become fatigued with extended use

Are less likely to become fatigued because of the rhythmic nature of the contractions

Regeneration after injury or damage

Have a higher capacity for regeneration

Have a limited capacity for regeneration

Basis of differentiation	Skeletal muscles	Cardiac muscles
Definition	Are found throughout the body attached to various bones with the help of tendons	Are found only in the heart
Type of cell	Multinucleated with several peripheral nuclei	Uni-nucleated with a single centrally located nucleus
Appearance	Appear as long, striated cylindrical fibers with multiple nuclei	Appear as short, striated branched fibers with a single nucleus
Size	Relatively longer	Relatively shorter
Shape	Cylindrical	Semi-spindle
Gap junctions	Absent	Present
Function	Are responsible for movement and maintaining posture	Are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body
Control	Are voluntary muscles under conscious control; somatic nervous system	Are involuntary muscles, not under conscious control; autonomic nervous system
Type of contraction	Contract in response to nerve impulses	Contract continuously and rhythmically to pump blood
Risk of fatigue	Are more likely to become fatigued with extended use	Are less likely to become fatigued because of the rhythmic nature of the contractions
Regeneration after injury or damage	Have a higher capacity for regeneration	Have a limited capacity for regeneration