What type of muscle is found in the heart?

The muscle found in the heart is classified as cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is a specialized type of striated muscle that is unique to the heart. It is involuntary, meaning that it operates without conscious control, which is essential for the heart's function of continuously pumping blood throughout the body. This muscle type has distinctive characteristics, such as intercalated discs that allow for synchronized contractions and the ability to generate electrical impulses, which are crucial for maintaining a regular heartbeat.

While skeletal muscle is also striated, it is under voluntary control and is responsible for movement of the skeleton. Smooth muscle, on the other hand, is non-striated and is found in various structures throughout the body that require involuntary control, such as the walls of hollow organs. Understanding the specific properties and functions of cardiac muscle is important for comprehending how the heart operates and its vital role in the circulatory system.