Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that is under voluntary control. This means that movements involving skeletal muscle are consciously controlled by the nervous system, allowing individuals to perform activities like walking, writing, and lifting weights. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones via tendons, enabling them to move the skeletal system.

In contrast, cardiac and smooth muscles operate involuntarily. Cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart, functions automatically to pump blood and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system without conscious thought. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines and blood vessels, and also operates without conscious control, helping to manage movements like digestion and blood flow.

Understanding the distinction between voluntary and involuntary muscle types is crucial, particularly in fields related to health and human physiology, as it highlights how different muscle types contribute to bodily functions.