First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

What type of muscle tissue is under conscious control?

1. Voluntary

2. Involuntary

3. Cardiac

4. Striated

The correct answer is: Voluntary

The type of muscle tissue that is under conscious control is voluntary muscle. This muscle type, primarily represented by skeletal muscle, allows for intentional movements such as walking, lifting objects, and other activities that require direct control from the nervous system. Voluntary muscles are characterized by their ability to contract and relax according to a person’s will, which is crucial for functions that need precise motion. In contrast, involuntary muscle is not under conscious control and is primarily found in organs such as the stomach and intestines, where it functions automatically to help move substances through these organs. Cardiac muscle, while striated, operates involuntarily as well, functioning autonomously to pump blood throughout the body without conscious effort. Striated muscle refers to the appearance of muscle fibers under a microscope, indicating that both skeletal and cardiac muscles have this characteristic, but it does not imply conscious control. Therefore, voluntary muscle is the correct category for muscle tissue that a person can consciously control.