T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
The longitudinal section of cardiac muscle stained with PTH shows the morphology of individual cardiac muscle cells, and in particular, the intercalated discs.
Branched Cells - cells are joined end-to-end and are often branched. They are 50 to 250 µm in length
Nuclei - cells have a single or occasionally two centrally located nuclei.
Intercalated Disks - cells are joined together by specialized junctions called intercalated disks. They appear as dark purple bands across muscle fibers.
Lipofuscin Pigment - residue of lysosomal digestion that accumulates as yellow-brown granules next to the nucleus of some cells.
