Myocyte

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A myocyte (also known as a muscle cell)[1] is the type of cell found in muscles. They arise from myoblasts.[2]

Each myocyte contains myofibrils, which are long chains of sarcomeres, the contractile units of the cell.

There are various specialized forms of myocytes: cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells, with various properties.

Cardiac myocytes are responsible for generating the electrical impulses that control the heart rate, among other things. (See Sinoatrial node)

Kindlin-2 plays a role in elongation.[3]

GATA4 and GATA6 play a role in differentiation.[4]


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