Which type of muscle tissue is responsible for involuntary movements?

Study for the PLTW Human Body Systems Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Cardiac and smooth muscle tissues are both responsible for involuntary movements in the body.

Cardiac muscle, which makes up the walls of the heart, operates without conscious control. It contracts rhythmically and consistently to pump blood throughout the circulatory system, responding automatically to the body's needs, such as during physical exercise or rest.

Smooth muscle, found in walls of hollow organs like the intestines, bladder, and blood vessels, is also involuntary. This type of muscle facilitates processes such as the movement of food through the digestive tract and regulating blood flow by constricting or dilating blood vessels, all of which occur without conscious effort.

In contrast, skeletal muscle is voluntary, meaning it is under conscious control and is used for movements such as walking or lifting objects. Therefore, the statement that both cardiac and smooth muscles are involved in involuntary movements accurately reflects their roles in the body's functioning.

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