How do you distinguish between a skeletal muscle and a cardiac muscle?

Skeletal muscle

Cardiac muscle

1.

The cells of skeletal muscles are unbranched.

1.

The cells of cardiac muscles are branched.

2.

Intercalated discs are absent.

2.

The cells are joined with one another by intercalated discs that help in coordination or synchronization of the heart beat.

3.

Alternate light and dark bands are present.

3.

Faint bands are present.

4.

They are voluntary muscles.

4.

They are involuntary muscles.

5.

They contract rapidly and get fatigued in a short span of time.

5.

They contract rapidly but do not get fatigued easily.

6.

They are present in body parts such as the legs, tongue, hands, etc.

6.

These muscles are present in the heart and control the contraction and relaxation of the heart.