Which feature is NOT typical of smooth muscle histology?

Which feature is NOT typical of smooth muscle histology?

• A. Lack of striations
• B. Spindle-shaped cells
• C. Intercalated discs
• D. Single central nucleus

Answer: (C)

Intercalated discs are not found in smooth muscle; they are specialized junctions that connect cardiac muscle cells to coordinate synchronized contraction. Smooth muscle histology characteristically shows non‑striated fibers, spindle-shaped cells, and a single central nucleus. So the presence of intercalated discs would point to cardiac muscle, not smooth muscle, making it the feature not typical of smooth muscle. The other features—lack of striations, spindle-shaped cells, and a single central nucleus—are all characteristic of smooth muscle.

Intercalated discs are not found in smooth muscle; they are specialized junctions that connect cardiac muscle cells to coordinate synchronized contraction. Smooth muscle histology characteristically shows non‑striated fibers, spindle-shaped cells, and a single central nucleus. So the presence of intercalated discs would point to cardiac muscle, not smooth muscle, making it the feature not typical of smooth muscle. The other features—lack of striations, spindle-shaped cells, and a single central nucleus—are all characteristic of smooth muscle.