New York Nail Technician License Practice Test

Which muscle type is striated and controlled voluntarily?

1. Skeletal muscle

2. Smooth muscle

3. Cardiac muscle

4. Involuntary muscle

The correct answer is: Skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that is striated and controlled voluntarily. This muscle is attached to the bones and is responsible for facilitating movement of the body, allowing for actions such as walking, running, and lifting. The striations in skeletal muscle fibers are the result of the organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments, which are essential for muscle contraction. The voluntary control means that an individual can consciously engage these muscles by sending signals from the nervous system. This level of control distinguishes skeletal muscle from other types, such as cardiac and smooth muscles. Cardiac muscle is also striated but is controlled involuntarily, meaning it operates independently of conscious thought and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Smooth muscle, found in organs and blood vessels, is non-striated and also operates involuntarily. In contrast, the term "involuntary muscle" generally refers to both cardiac and smooth muscles, further highlighting why skeletal muscle stands out as the only voluntary and striated type.