Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
 

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Skeletal Muscle

Longitudinal

Peripheral Nuclei
Striations
No Branching
Cross Section

Peripheral Nuclei
Massive Cytoplasm
 

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Cardiac Muscle

Longitudinal

Central Nuclei (often football-shaped)
Striations
Branching
Intercalated Discs
Cross Section

Central Nuclei
High Cytoplasm : Nucleus Ratio
 

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Smooth Muscle

Longitudinal

Central Nuclei (often fusiform-shaped)
Meshwork appearance
No Stiations
Cross Section

Central Nuclei
Low Cytoplasm : Nucleus Ratio

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Be able to distinguish muscle from:
Nerves
Connective Tissue
Tendons