Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What type of muscle is referred to as involuntary muscle?

1. Striated muscle

2. Skeletal muscle

3. Non-striated muscle

4. Cardiac muscle

The correct answer is: Non-striated muscle

Involuntary muscle refers to muscles that operate without conscious control. Non-striated muscle, also known as smooth muscle, is characterized by its lack of visible striations (stripes) and is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and bladder. This type of muscle is responsible for bodily functions that occur automatically, such as peristalsis in the digestive tract and regulation of blood flow in the circulatory system. Cardiac muscle, found in the heart, is also involuntary but is classified separately due to its unique structure and function. Striated muscle refers predominantly to skeletal muscle, which is voluntary and controlled by the conscious mind. By understanding these distinctions, it becomes clear why non-striated muscle is the correct representation of involuntary muscle, as it directly functions without requiring voluntary movement or control.