Cardiomyocytes are the specialized muscle cells responsible for the contraction and pumping action of the heart. They maintain the cardiovascular system's function by ensuring the efficient circulation of blood throughout the body. The development, structure, and function of cardiomyocytes are essential aspects of understanding the heart's function. Cardiomyocytes originate from the mesodermal layer during embryonic development. The process of cardiogenesis involves the differentiation of precursor cells into various cardiac cell types, including cardiomyocytes. This differentiation is controlled by signalling pathways (including Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Wnt, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Notch and Hedgehog signalling pathways) and various transcription factors (including NKX2.5, GATA, TBX, and Mef2) that guide the cells' maturation. The differentiation of these precursor cells gives rise to the formation of the cardiac tube, which eventually undergoes looping and septation to form the four chambers of the heart. Throughout development, cardiomyocytes undergo significant morphological and functional changes to adapt to their roles in the adult heart. The structure of cardiomyocytes is adapted to their unique contractile function. These cells are elongated, cylindrical, and possess multiple branches, forming a three-dimensional network within the myocardium. Cardiomyocytes are connected by specialized cell junctions termed intercalated discs. Intercalated discs contain gap junctions that allow electrical signals to propagate rapidly between cells, ensuring synchronized contraction of the heart muscle. These junctions also contain desmosomes, which provide mechanical strength to withstand the strong physical forces generated during a contraction. Inside cardiomyocytes, myofibrils are the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction. Myofibrils consist of repeating sarcomeres, the functional units of muscle contraction. Each sarcomere contains overlapping thick and thin filaments made up of myosin and actin, respectively. The sliding of these filaments against one another during contraction generates the force necessary for cardiac muscle contraction. The primary function of cardiomyocytes is to generate the mechanical force required by the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This pumping action is regulated by electrical signals that initiate and coordinate contractions. The electrical activity of cardiomyocytes is driven by the cardiac conduction system, a network of specialized cardiomyocyte cells that generate and conduct electrical impulses across the heart. This electrical activity results in the rhythmic contractions that make up the heartbeat. The cardiac cycle consists of two phases: systole and diastole. During systole, cardiomyocytes contract, ejecting blood from the heart's chambers into the blood vessels. Diastole follows, during which cardiomyocytes relax and refill with blood from the veins, preparing for the next contraction. Cardiomyocytes exhibit a unique property called autorhythmicity, allowing them to generate spontaneous electrical impulses even without external stimulation. However, these impulses are modulated by the autonomic nervous system to regulate heart rate and adapt to changing physiological demands. We offer a wide product range of research tools for investigating cardiomyocyte markers, including Cardiac Troponin I antibodies, GATA4 antibodies, Cardiac Troponin I ELISA Kits, and GATA4 ELISA Kits. Explore our full cardiomyocyte markers product range below and discover more, for less.