Skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle are both types of muscle tissue that perform different functions in the body. Skeletal muscle is responsible for movement and is attached to the skeleton, while cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
One of the main differences between skeletal and cardiac muscle is their structure. Skeletal muscle is composed of long, thin cells called muscle fibers that are bound together by connective tissue. These fibers are striated, meaning they have alternating light and dark bands that give them a striped appearance under the microscope. Skeletal muscle is also voluntary, meaning it can be controlled consciously by the brain through the nervous system.
Cardiac muscle, on the other hand, is composed of shorter, thicker cells with only one nucleus per cell. Like skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle is striated, but the bands are arranged differently. Cardiac muscle is also involuntary, meaning it is not under conscious control and instead is regulated by the body's internal systems.
Another difference between skeletal and cardiac muscle is their function. Skeletal muscle is responsible for movement and is involved in activities such as walking, running, and lifting. Cardiac muscle, as mentioned, is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle contracts continuously and rhythmically to push blood through the arteries and veins, while skeletal muscle contracts only when it is needed for movement.
Finally, there are also differences in the way that skeletal and cardiac muscle respond to stimuli. Skeletal muscle responds to stimuli such as nerve impulses and hormones, while cardiac muscle responds to electrical signals. This is why cardiac muscle is able to contract continuously and rhythmically, while skeletal muscle can only contract when stimulated by the nervous system.
In summary, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle are two types of muscle tissue that have different structures, functions, and responses to stimuli. Skeletal muscle is responsible for movement and is controlled by the nervous system, while cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.