What are the features of cardiac muscle?

Cardiac muscle is a specialized, involuntary muscle found only in the heart. It is striated like skeletal muscle but functions like smooth muscle, contracting rhythmically and continuously without conscious control. Cardiac muscle cells are branched and interconnected, forming a network that allows synchronized contractions. Each cell has one or two centrally located nuclei and is joined to others by intercalated discs, which facilitate the rapid transmission of electrical impulses. This structure ensures efficient pumping of blood throughout the body. Additionally, cardiac muscle has a high density of mitochondria, enabling sustained energy production for continuous heart activity without fatigue.