Which of the following statements wrongly represents the nature of smooth muscle ?

The correct answer/option is: Communication among the cells is performed by intercalated discs

Let us analyze each of the statements to understand the nature of smooth muscles and identify the incorrect statement:

1. These muscles have no striations: This is a correct statement. Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped (fusiform) and lack the alternate light and dark bands (striations) that are characteristic of skeletal and cardiac muscles. Hence, they are called non-striated or smooth muscles.

2. They are involuntary muscles: This is a correct statement. The functioning of smooth muscles cannot be directly controlled by our conscious will. They are innervated by the autonomic nervous system.

3. Communication among the cells is performed by intercalated discs: This statement is incorrect (wrong). Intercalated discs are specialized cell junctions containing gap junctions and desmosomes that are uniquely found in cardiac muscle cells to allow them to contract as a synchronized unit. Smooth muscle cells communicate with each other primarily via simple gap junctions, not intercalated discs.

4. These muscles are present in the wall of blood vessels: This is a correct statement. Smooth muscles are located in the walls of hollow visceral organs, such as blood vessels, stomach, intestines, and urinary bladder, where they regulate the passage of substances.

Therefore, the statement that wrongly represents the nature of smooth muscle is: "Communication among the cells is performed by intercalated discs".