Which type of muscle is voluntarily or consciously controlled?

Striated muscle, also known as skeletal muscle, is the type of muscle that is voluntarily or consciously controlled. This means that individuals can make a conscious decision to contract these muscles, enabling purposeful movements such as walking, lifting, or any other activity that requires physical exertion. Striated muscles are characterized by their long, cylindrical fibers and a banded appearance under a microscope, which is where they get the term "striated."

In contrast, cardiac muscle, which is responsible for the pumping action of the heart, operates involuntarily and is not under conscious control. Similarly, smooth muscle, found in walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels, also functions involuntarily, allowing automatic control over processes like digestion and blood flow. Involuntary muscle refers to non-striated muscle types, which operate without conscious intent, further distinguishing them from the voluntarily-controlled striated muscle. Thus, the characteristic of being consciously controlled firmly identifies striated muscle as the correct choice.