Which type of muscles are under voluntary control?

Skeletal muscles are the type of muscles that are under voluntary control. This means that individuals can consciously decide to contract these muscles and control their movements. Skeletal muscles are responsible for facilitating movement of the skeleton, enabling actions like walking, running, lifting, and other physical activities.

These muscles are generally attached to bones by tendons and are striated in appearance under a microscope due to the organized arrangement of muscle fibers. This striation is characteristic of skeletal muscle, further distinguishing it from other muscle types.

In contrast, cardiac muscles, found in the heart, and smooth muscles, which make up the walls of internal organs, are not under voluntary control. Cardiac muscle functions automatically to pump blood, while smooth muscle operations are regulated by the autonomic nervous system and are involved in processes like digestion and blood vessel regulation. Involuntary muscles refer specifically to these types that operate without conscious thought, highlighting the distinction from skeletal muscles that can be controlled deliberately.