What type of muscle is voluntarily controlled?

Striated muscle, also known as skeletal muscle, is the type of muscle that is voluntarily controlled. This means that individuals have conscious control over the contraction and relaxation of these muscles, allowing for intentional movements such as walking, lifting, and other physical activities. Skeletal muscle is distinct from other types of muscle, such as cardiac and smooth muscle, which are not under voluntary control and operate automatically in response to biological signals.

Skeletal muscles are characterized by their striated appearance under a microscope, which is due to the organized arrangement of muscle fibers. This structure enables precise control over force and movement. In contrast, cardiac muscle makes up the heart and operates involuntarily, while smooth muscle is found in walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels, also functioning without conscious thought.

Understanding the distinctions between these muscle types is crucial for anyone studying anatomy and physiology in the context of cosmetology, as they relate directly to the body's movement and various physical responses.