What are the differences between skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles?

Basis of differentiation 

Skeletal muscles 

Cardiac muscles 

Definition 

Are found throughout the body attached to various bones with the help of tendons

Are found only in the heart 

Type of cell

Multinucleated with several peripheral nuclei 

Uni-nucleated with a single centrally located nucleus

Appearance

Appear as long, striated cylindrical fibers with multiple nuclei

Appear as short, striated branched fibers with a single nucleus

Size

Relatively longer

Relatively shorter 

Shape

Cylindrical 

Semi-spindle

Gap junctions

Absent

Present

Function

Are responsible for movement and maintaining posture

Are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body

Control

Are voluntary muscles under conscious control; somatic nervous system

Are involuntary muscles, not under conscious control; autonomic nervous system

Type of contraction

Contract in response to nerve impulses 

Contract continuously and rhythmically to pump blood

Risk of fatigue

Are more likely to become fatigued with extended use

Are less likely to become fatigued because of the rhythmic nature of the contractions

Regeneration after injury or damage

Have a higher capacity for regeneration 

Have a limited capacity for regeneration