Sodium ions move from one cardiac muscle cell to an adjacent cell causing them to contract in unison.This is an example of
A)contact-dependent signaling.
B)paracrine signaling.
C)endocrine signaling.
D)autocrine signaling.
E)direct intercellular signaling.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This response describes direct intercellular signaling where cells are in direct contact with one another allowing for the transfer of ions and other signals between cells. Sodium ions are able to move directly from one cardiac muscle cell to another, causing them to contract in unison, demonstrating direct intercellular signaling. Contact-dependent signaling requires cells to be in contact, but signals are not transferred between cells. Paracrine signaling, endocrine signaling, and autocrine signaling require the release of chemical signals into the extracellular environment, rather than direct transfer between cells.

Sodium Ions Move from One Cardiac Muscle Cell to an Adjacent