Which type of muscle is found in the heart?

The correct answer is cardiac muscle because it is the specialized type of muscle tissue that makes up the walls of the heart. This muscle is responsible for the involuntary contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle cells are unique in that they are interconnected and can contract in a coordinated manner, allowing for efficient blood circulation.

Cardiac muscle is distinct in its structure; it has striations similar to skeletal muscle, but it operates involuntarily, meaning it is not under conscious control. This differentiates it from skeletal muscle, which is consciously controlled and primarily facilitates movement of the body. Although skeletal muscle can also be striated, the defining characteristic of cardiac muscle is its exclusive presence in the heart and its unique ability to function autonomously.

Smooth muscle, on the other hand, is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels, and it also operates involuntarily but lacks the striations seen in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Thus, the distinguishing features and functions of cardiac muscle solidify its role as the muscle type specific to the heart.