Which of the following is a characteristic of cardiac muscle?

Cardiac muscle is indeed characterized by being striated and having intercalated discs. Striations in cardiac muscle are due to the organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments, similar to those found in skeletal muscle, which allows for coordinated contractions. The intercalated discs are unique structures that connect individual cardiac muscle cells (myocytes), facilitating the transmission of electrical impulses and allowing the muscle fibers to contract in synchrony. This feature is critical for the heart's function, as it ensures that the heart beats efficiently as a unit, pumping blood effectively throughout the body.

In contrast, cardiac muscle does not regenerate well after injury, which is why it is not considered to have regenerative capabilities like some tissues do. Additionally, cardiac muscle is involuntary, meaning it is not under conscious control, and it retains a centrally located nucleus, which is characteristic of muscle fibers in general.