What is the function of cardiac muscle?

The function of cardiac muscle is primarily the contraction of the heart. This specialized muscle tissue is intrinsically designed to continuously pump blood throughout the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients to various organs and tissues while removing waste products. Cardiac muscle is unique in its structure and function, as it is striated like skeletal muscle but operates involuntarily, meaning it is not under conscious control.

Unlike skeletal muscle, which is responsible for the movement of bones and is activated voluntarily, cardiac muscle does not engage in movement of bones or voluntary movements; its activity is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and intrinsic pacemaker cells that set heart rhythm. Additionally, smooth muscle controls intestinal motion but is also distinct from cardiac muscle, reinforcing the uniqueness of cardiac muscle in its dedicated role in maintaining heart contractions and overall cardiovascular health.