Electrolysis Practice Exam

What type of muscle is under conscious control?

1. Involuntary muscle

2. Striated muscle

3. Cardiac muscle

4. Voluntary muscle

The correct answer is: Voluntary muscle

The correct answer is voluntary muscle. These muscles are consciously controlled, meaning you can decide when to contract or relax them. This control is primarily exerted through the somatic nervous system, which governs movements such as walking, lifting, and other physical activities. Voluntary muscles are typically striated, as they are made up of long, cylindrical fibers that have a banded appearance under a microscope. This characteristic is also seen in skeletal muscle, which is the most common type of voluntary muscle. In contrast, involuntary muscle and cardiac muscle are not under conscious control. Involuntary muscles work automatically and include smooth muscles found in organs like the intestines. Cardiac muscle, found exclusively in the heart, also operates automatically, controlling heartbeats without conscious thought. Thus, the distinction made here highlights the unique nature of voluntary muscle, reinforcing why it is the correct answer.