A
myocyte (also known as a
muscle cell) is the type of
cell found in
muscle tissue. Myocytes are long, tubular cells that develop from
myoblasts to form
muscles in a process known as
myogenesis. There are various specialized forms of myocytes:
cardiac,
skeletal, and
smooth muscle cells, with various properties. The
striated cells of cardiac and skeletal muscles are referred to as
muscle fibers.
Cardiomyocytes are the muscle fibres that form the chambers of the heart, and have a single central nucleus. Skeletal muscle fibers help support and move the body and tend to have peripheral nuclei. Smooth muscle cells control involuntary movements such as the
peristalsis contractions in the
oesophagus and
stomach.