What type of muscle is responsible for involuntary movements in the body?

Prepare for the Praxis Health Education Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The type of muscle responsible for involuntary movements in the body includes both cardiac and smooth muscle.

Cardiac muscle is found exclusively in the heart. It works continuously and automatically to pump blood throughout the body, operating without conscious thought.

Smooth muscle, on the other hand, is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and the bladder. This type of muscle also functions involuntarily, controlling movements like the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels and the movement of food through the digestive system.

Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, meaning it is consciously controlled by the nervous system, allowing for intentional movement. Therefore, it does not participate in involuntary activities.

The inclusion of both cardiac and smooth muscle as the correct answer is due to their shared characteristic of functioning involuntarily, which is essential for numerous vital processes in the human body.

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