What type of muscle is responsible for voluntary movement?

Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movement because it is the type of muscle that is consciously controlled by the nervous system. This means that individuals have the ability to decide when and how to move these muscles, facilitating activities such as walking, lifting, and other physical actions. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones via tendons and work in pairs to produce movement at the joints.

In contrast, smooth muscle, found in the walls of internal organs, operates involuntarily, meaning it functions without conscious control. Cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart, also operates involuntarily, contracting rhythmically to pump blood throughout the body. The term "involuntary muscle" typically refers to both smooth and cardiac muscles, which further underscores the distinction between these types and skeletal muscle in terms of control and function. Therefore, the primary role of skeletal muscle is to enable voluntary movements in response to conscious thought.