Which type of muscles are known as voluntary muscles?

Striated muscles are classified as voluntary muscles because they are under conscious control and can be contracted at will. These muscles are characterized by their banded appearance, which is a result of the organized structure of muscle fibers. This type of muscle is primarily found in skeletal muscles, which are attached to bones and enable movement of the body. When a person decides to lift an arm or walk, it is the striated muscles that are responsible for executing those movements.

In contrast, non-striated muscles, such as smooth muscles, operate involuntarily. These muscles are found in the walls of internal organs and are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, meaning they function automatically without conscious thought. Cardiac muscle, which is also involuntary, makes up the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, again operating without conscious control.

Understanding the distinction between voluntary and involuntary muscles is crucial in the field of esthetics, especially when considering how various treatments might affect muscle relaxation and contraction during procedures.