Myocyte

A myocyte (also known as a muscle cell)^[1] is the type of cell found in muscle tissue.

Diagram of a muscle cell and neuromuscular junction
1. Axon
2. Neuromuscular junction
3. Muscle fiber (Myocyte)
4. Myofibril

Myocytes are long, tubular cells. They develop from myoblasts to form muscles in a process called myogenesis.^[2]

There are various specialized forms of myocytes: cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells. They have different structures. The striated or striped cells of cardiac and skeletal muscles are called muscle fibers.^[1]

Cardiomyocytes are the muscle fibres which form the chambers of the heart. They have a single central nucleus.^[3] Skeletal muscle fibers help support and move the body. They usually have peripheral nuclei.^[4][5]

Smooth muscle cells control involuntary movements such as the peristalsis contractions in the oesophagus and stomach.