AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?

1. Skeletal muscle

2. Cardiac muscle

3. Smooth muscle

4. All muscle types

The correct answer is: Skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that is under voluntary control. This means that it can be consciously controlled by the nervous system to facilitate movement. Skeletal muscles are attached to the bones and are responsible for the movement of the skeleton. They enable actions such as lifting, running, and other activities that require intentional movement. In contrast, cardiac muscle, found only in the heart, operates involuntarily and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and intrinsic pacemaker cells to maintain heart rhythm. Smooth muscle, which lines various hollow organs (such as the intestines and blood vessels), also functions involuntarily and is governed by autonomic signals, allowing it to perform functions such as contracting to move substances through the digestive tract. Therefore, while skeletal muscle is the only type that allows for voluntary control, cardiac and smooth muscle operate without conscious input, emphasizing the unique characteristics of skeletal muscle in the context of movement and exercise.