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Difference Between Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles

Last Updated : 06 Jun, 2023
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Voluntary, involuntary, and myocardium are three types of muscles found in animals. Skeletal muscles are considered voluntary muscles while smooth muscles are considered involuntary muscles. Voluntary muscles are attached to bones and help in the movement and movement of various parts of the animal’s body. The involuntary muscles are found in the walls of the hollow organs and control the internal movements of the organs.

Internal organs help move fluids and food through the digestive system. The key difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles is that voluntary muscles are innervated by the somatic nervous system whereas involuntary muscles are innervated by the autonomic nervous system.

Differences Between Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles

Characterizations

Voluntary Muscles

Involuntary Muscles

Shape

The muscle is cylindrical, elongated, and unbranched. This is a lean, small muscle.

Type of Cell

These are multinucleated. These muscles are monocytes.

Found In

Found attached to the bone. It is found in the walls of internal organs.

Energy Requirements

High energy requirements. Low energy requirements.

Nucleus

Presence of nuclei in the periphery. There is a nucleus in the center.

Sarcolemma

There is a thick sarcolemma. There is a thin sarcolemma.

Behavior

Behavior is primarily regulated by the somatic nervous system. Behavior is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Type of Contractions

Fast and strong contractions. Slow and rhythmic contractions.

Rest Period

Tired and in need of regular rest. You can work continuously without getting tired.

Functions

These muscles are under the control of our will. These muscles are not under the control of our will.

Voluntary Muscles

Voluntary muscles are long multinucleated cells containing bundles of sarcomeres. Voluntary muscles are made up of cylindrical fibers and are usually attached to bone and skin. They play an important role in enabling the body to move through contraction and relaxation, and their actions are primarily controlled by the somatosensory nervous system. Voluntary muscles include skeletal muscles.

Skeletal muscles are one of the major muscle types under the voluntary control of the somatic nervous system. It mainly represents several bundles of cells and muscle fibers. These muscles are involved in muscle contraction, signaling pathways, and more.

Involuntary Muscles

Involuntary muscles are striated and branched in the case of the heart muscle. The action of involuntary muscles is mainly regulated by the body’s autonomic nervous system. These involuntary muscles include smooth muscle and cardiac muscle.

  • Smooth muscles are found in the lining of the intestines, stomach, uterus, and blood vessels. These muscles help push food molecules along the length of the digestive tract, control the diameter of blood vessels, and contract the uterus during childbirth.
  • Cardiac muscle is unique and is found only in the heart. These muscles keep the heart beating by maintaining proper blood circulation throughout the body.

Similarities Between Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles

  1. Voluntary and involuntary muscles are two components of the musculature of the body.
  2. Voluntary and involuntary muscles are composed of muscle cells.
  3. Voluntary and involuntary muscles are under the control of the nervous system

FAQs on Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles

Q1: What is the main difference between Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles?

Answer:

Voluntary muscles that can be controlled by our conscious thoughts, such as the muscles in our hands when we catch a ball. Involuntary muscles, such as those that control the beating of the heart, do not require conscious thought to move them, although their movements are still controlled by the nervous system.

Q2: What are the 3 types of Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles?

Answer:

Pectorals, hamstrings, biceps, triceps, quadriceps, abs, etc. are some examples of voluntary muscles. Supports cardiac and smooth muscles of internal organs such as intestines, blood vessels, genitourinary tract and respiratory tract. Lining, is an involuntary muscle.

Q3: Is the Breathing Voluntary or Involuntary?

Answer:

Your breathing usually requires no thought because it is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, also known as the involuntary nervous system.


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