What is the term for the group of muscles that include the heart?

The group of muscles that includes the heart is referred to as cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is a specialized type of muscle tissue that makes up the heart's walls and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. This type of muscle is unique because it is striated like skeletal muscle but operates involuntarily, meaning it functions automatically without conscious control.

Understanding that the heart is comprised of cardiac muscle allows for a better comprehension of its role in the circulatory system, including how it contracts rhythmically to effectively pump oxygenated blood to tissues and organs, and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs for reoxygenation. The distinction of cardiac muscle is crucial in the medical field, particularly in emergency response situations where knowledge of how the heart operates and responds to various conditions can significantly impact patient care and outcomes.