Which muscle type is responsible for voluntary movements?

Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements in the body. This type of muscle is attached to bones by tendons and is under conscious control, meaning we can decide to contract it to facilitate movement. For instance, actions such as walking, running, and lifting arms are facilitated by skeletal muscles, allowing for a high degree of mobility and control.

While striated muscle and skeletal muscle might seem like overlapping terms, striated muscle includes both skeletal and cardiac muscle, but only the skeletal fibers are associated with voluntary control. In contrast, smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs (like the intestines and blood vessels) and operates involuntarily, while cardiac muscle makes up the heart and is also involuntary in nature. Thus, the distinction lies in the control mechanisms of these muscles, solidifying skeletal muscle as the correct answer regarding voluntary movements.