Which type of muscle tissue is also known as skeletal or striated muscle?

The correct answer is Voluntary muscle.

Key Points

• Voluntary muscles, also known as skeletal or striated muscles, are responsible for movement and are controlled consciously by the nervous system.
• These muscles are attached to bones via tendons and facilitate locomotion, posture maintenance, and other voluntary actions.
• Skeletal muscles exhibit a characteristic striped (striated) appearance under a microscope due to the arrangement of actin and myosin filaments.
• They contract quickly but may fatigue over time, requiring rest for recovery.
• Examples include muscles in the arms, legs, and face, such as the biceps, quadriceps, and facial muscles.

Additional Information

• Involuntary muscles:
  • These muscles work automatically without conscious control, e.g., smooth muscles and cardiac muscles.
  • Found in internal organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels.
  • Smooth muscles help in processes like digestion and circulation.
• Cardiac muscles:
  • Specialized muscle tissue found only in the heart.
  • They are involuntary but striated, combining features of both skeletal and smooth muscles.
  • Responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
• Muscle structure and function:
  • Muscles are composed of fibers that contain proteins like actin and myosin, facilitating contraction.
  • They work in pairs—agonists and antagonists—to produce coordinated movements.
• Types of muscle tissue:
  • Human body has three types: skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary), and cardiac (involuntary).
  • Each type serves distinct functions essential for survival and daily activities.