Cardiac muscle cells, also known as cardiomyocytes, are specialized cells found in the heart. They are responsible for the heart's contraction and relaxation, enabling blood to circulate throughout the body. These cells are unique because they can generate electrical impulses, allowing them to contract rhythmically and continuously without tiring. Unlike skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells are interconnected by structures called intercalated discs, which facilitate communication and synchronization during heartbeats. This ensures that the heart functions as a coordinated unit. Cardiac muscle cells are also striated, similar to skeletal muscle, but they are involuntary, meaning they operate without conscious control.