Involuntary muscle

Involuntary muscle

Involuntary muscles are smooth, uni nucleated, non-branching muscles that are not directly controllable at will. These muscles are not as free as the voluntary muscles such as those in the arms, legs, fingers, toes etc.

Cardiac muscle: a type of striated muscle found exclusively in the heart, can be called an involuntary muscle, although it may be classified separately due to its structural differences. It is controlled by nerve impulses produced by a natural pacemaker called the sinoatrial node, the rate of which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Smooth muscles, a type of non-striated muscle, include the radially arranged iris muscles, the digestive system, reproductive system, major blood vessels, the skin, and internal organs. These are also controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Involuntary muscles are muscles controlled only by the central nervous system, and (in some cases) by hormones. These cannot be controlled consciously. The pupils of the eye are an example of this as they contract quickly when the eye is exposed to bright light.

Skeletal muscle is under conscious control and is, therefore, voluntary muscle.


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