The specific function of cardiac muscle is to regulate the heart’s rhythm and strength of contractions, ensuring proper blood circulation throughout the body. It does this by contracting and relaxing in a coordinated manner, which pumps blood out of the heart and back into the heart to be circulated again.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Pumping Action:
Cardiac muscle is the primary tissue in the heart responsible for pumping blood. Rhythmic Contraction and Relaxation:
The unique properties of cardiac muscle allow it to contract and relax rhythmically and continuously, maintaining a stable heartbeat.
Blood Circulation:
By contracting, cardiac muscle forces blood out of the heart chambers and into the arteries, which then distribute the blood throughout the body.
Involuntary and Fatigue-Resistant:
Unlike skeletal muscles (which you consciously control), cardiac muscle contracts involuntarily and is highly resistant to fatigue, ensuring the heart can function continuously throughout life.