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