What type of muscles in the heart have properties of both skeletal and smooth muscles?

Cardiac muscles are unique in that they possess characteristics of both skeletal and smooth muscles. These muscles, which make up the heart, are striated like skeletal muscles, meaning they have a banded appearance under a microscope due to the organization of myofibrils. This striation is similar to skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control and allows for rapid and forceful contractions.

However, unlike skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle operates involuntarily, similar to smooth muscle. This means that the heart beats automatically and rhythmically without conscious control, allowing it to pump blood continuously throughout the body. Furthermore, cardiac muscle cells are interconnected by intercalated discs, which enable coordinated contractions of the entire heart muscle. This unique combination of traits makes cardiac muscle an essential component for the heart's function in the circulatory system.