Unitary (visceral) smooth muscle cells are functionally linked by which histological feature?
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Correct answer: Gap junctions
Gap junctions allow for the rapid spread of action potentials and small signaling molecules between adjacent cells. This allows a sheet of smooth muscle to contract as a single functional unit or syncytium.
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More Smooth Muscle Histology questions
- Which intermediate filament protein is most characteristic of smooth muscle in the vascular system?
- Smooth muscle cells are capable of synthesizing which extracellular matrix components?
- Under a light microscope, how does a cross-section of smooth muscle appear compared to a longitudinal section?
- What is the primary mechanism for terminating a smooth muscle contraction?
- Smooth muscle is innervated by the autonomic nervous system. What are the 'swellings' along the axons that release neurotransmitters called?
- Which of the following describes the regenerative capacity of smooth muscle?