HOSA Anatomy and Physiology Assessment Practice Test

Skeletal muscle is the correct choice because it is characterized by its striated appearance and is under voluntary control. This means that individuals can consciously contract skeletal muscles to perform various actions, such as walking, lifting, or throwing. The striations arise from the organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments within the muscle fibers, allowing for coordinated contractions.

In contrast, cardiac muscle, while also striated, is involuntarily controlled and operates autonomously to manage heart contractions. Smooth muscle does not have striations and is also involuntary, found in various internal organs such as the intestines and blood vessels, regulating functions like digestion and blood flow without conscious thought. Involuntary muscle is a broader category that includes both cardiac and smooth muscle, further emphasizing that skeletal muscle is unique in its combination of striations and voluntary control.