Intercalated discs and pacemaker cells are characteristic of which type of muscle tissue?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Connective tissue
• D. Skeletal muscle

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by identifying the key features mentioned in the problem: intercalated discs and pacemaker cells. These are specialized structures and functions found in certain muscle tissues.
2. Step 2: Understand the role of intercalated discs. These are unique junctions between cells that allow for rapid communication and synchronized contraction, which is essential for the function of a specific type of muscle tissue.
3. Step 3: Learn about pacemaker cells. These cells generate rhythmic electrical impulses to regulate contraction without external stimulation, a characteristic of a specific type of muscle tissue.
4. Step 4: Compare the features of the muscle tissue types provided in the options: Smooth muscle (involuntary, lacks intercalated discs), Skeletal muscle (voluntary, lacks pacemaker cells), and Cardiac muscle (involuntary, contains both intercalated discs and pacemaker cells).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the muscle tissue with both intercalated discs and pacemaker cells is cardiac muscle, as these features are essential for the heart's function of pumping blood efficiently.