Gap junctions
A) electrically isolate cardiac muscle cells.
B) allow large numbers of cardiac muscle cells to contract in unison.
C) provide enough strength to withstand the large pressure generated by the ventricles.
D) are found only in the cardiac muscle cells of the ventricles.
E) block the spread of action potentials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gap junctions allow for direct communication between cardiac muscle cells, allowing for the coordinated contraction of large numbers of cells in unison. This is essential for the proper functioning of the heart as a pump. Gap junctions do not electrically isolate cardiac muscle cells and are not solely found in the ventricles. While they do provide some strength, they are not the main mechanism for withstanding the pressure generated by the ventricles. Gap junctions also do not block the spread of action potentials, but rather allow for their propagation between cells.

Gap Junctions