In the context of cell junctions, which muscle cell type characteristically has both desmosomes and gap junctions at intercalated discs?

• A. Smooth muscle cells
• B. Skeletal muscle fibers
• C. Myofibroblasts
• D. Cardiac muscle cells

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the types of muscle cells: smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle fibers, cardiac muscle cells, and myofibroblasts, and their structural characteristics.
2. Step 2: Review the function and structure of intercalated discs, which are specialized connections between certain muscle cells that facilitate mechanical and electrical coupling.
3. Step 3: Identify the types of cell junctions found in intercalated discs: desmosomes, which provide strong mechanical adhesion, and gap junctions, which allow electrical communication between cells.
4. Step 4: Recognize that cardiac muscle cells uniquely possess intercalated discs containing both desmosomes and gap junctions to coordinate heart contractions efficiently.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, cardiac muscle cells are the muscle cell type that characteristically have both desmosomes and gap junctions at intercalated discs.