American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which type of muscle allows for voluntary control?

1. Cardiac muscle

2. Skeletal muscle

3. Smooth muscle

4. All types of muscle

The correct answer is: Skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that allows for voluntary control. It is connected to the skeleton and is responsible for movement, posture, and maintaining body position. Skeletal muscles are composed of long, striated fibers and are innervated by the somatic nervous system, which provides the ability for conscious control. This means that individuals can decide when to contract these muscles, such as when walking, lifting objects, or performing any other intentional movements. In contrast, cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart, operates involuntarily, meaning it functions without conscious control. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Smooth muscle is another involuntary muscle type found in the walls of internal organs like the intestines and blood vessels. Like cardiac muscle, it is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and is not subject to conscious control. Recognizing the unique properties of each muscle type—specifically the striated texture and the ability for voluntary movement associated with skeletal muscle—clarifies why it is the correct answer in this context.