What does cardiac tissue look like?

Cardiac tissue, or cardiac muscle, appears striated under a microscope, similar to skeletal muscle, but its fibers are branched and interconnected, forming a network. The cells, called cardiomyocytes, are typically cylindrical and have a single, centrally located nucleus. Intercalated discs, which are specialized junctions, can be seen between the cells, facilitating synchronized contractions. Overall, cardiac tissue exhibits a unique combination of structural features that enable its vital role in pumping blood throughout the body.