Question

What are intercalated discs? What is their significance?

Answer 1

Intercalated disc. Intercalated discs are microscopic identifying features of cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle consists of individual heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) connected by intercalated discs to work as a single functional organ or syncytium.

Answer 2

Intercalated discs are microscopic features of the cardiac muscles used for identification. Intercalated disc structure is a double membrane  which separates the adjoining cells in the fibers of cardiac muscle. These cross bands hold the adjoining cells together by providing strong adhesion sites.Gap junctions created due to them promote diffusion of ions and help the depolarization waves to spread over the entire surface of the heart by passing through adjoining cells.