Intercalated discs Definition. These are transverse bands that separate the adjacent ends in cardiac muscle fibers. Normally these structures appear as stained irregular lines at 90 degrees to the striped sarcomeric pattern.ntercalated discs Location. As mentioned earlier, these discs connect the individual heart cells called cardiomyocytes to form the atrial syncitium. In fact, both intercalated discs and pacemaker cells are characteristic of cardiac muscle tissues.
There are 3 levels (grades) of sprains. Grade 1 sprain: minor sprain; 1-4 weeks to heal. Grade 2 sprain: medium to significant sprain. Swelling, bruising and pain included. Micro-fracture included as well ; 4-8 weeks to heal. Grade 3 sprain: Usually a gales tired or broken bone or torn ligament. Associated with severe swelling and bleeding and inability to move limb; 8-12 weeks or more depending on severity.
Grade 2 sprains are the most common and take 4 to 6 weeks to heal. Grade 3 is the most serious and typically presents with severe swelling (think of an egg at the side of your ankle), bruising, and limited to no ability to hold weight. This can take 8-12 weeks to fully heal. I have suffered from Grade 3 sprains 3 times, granted I have only visited a doctor for one of the incidents. During this time it was recommended that I use crutches for two weeks. I did not this time, nor the second and third times (spaced several years apart).