OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which muscle type is under voluntary control?

1. Smooth muscle

2. Cardiac muscle

3. Involuntary muscle

4. Skeletal muscle

The correct answer is: Skeletal muscle

The correct answer is that skeletal muscle is under voluntary control. This means that individuals can consciously contract or relax these muscles, allowing for precise and intentional movements such as walking, lifting objects, or performing tasks that require fine motor skills. Skeletal muscles are typically attached to bones and are responsible for the movement of the skeleton. In contrast, smooth muscle operates involuntarily and is found in the walls of internal organs, such as the intestines and blood vessels. Cardiac muscle, while also involuntary, is specific to the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The term "involuntary muscle" refers to muscle types that are not consciously controlled, encompassing both smooth and cardiac muscle. Therefore, skeletal muscle is uniquely distinct in its capacity for voluntary control, making it the appropriate choice for this question.