Types of muscle tissue

Full Answer Section

Cardiac muscle is found in the heart. It is also striated, but it has a different arrangement of the striations than skeletal muscle. Cardiac muscle cells are interconnected, which allows them to contract as a unit. Cardiac muscle tissue contracts involuntarily, like smooth muscle tissue.

Similarities

• All three types of muscle tissue are composed of cells that are specialized for contraction.
• The cells of all three types of muscle tissue are able to shorten and produce force.
• The cells of all three types of muscle tissue are stimulated to contract by the nervous system.

Differences

• Skeletal muscle is voluntary, while smooth muscle and cardiac muscle are involuntary.
• Skeletal muscle is striated, while smooth muscle and cardiac muscle are not striated.
• Skeletal muscle cells are long and cylindrical, while smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped and cardiac muscle cells are branched.
• Skeletal muscle cells are arranged in bundles, while smooth muscle cells are arranged in sheets and cardiac muscle cells are arranged in a network.

Sample Answer

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant type of muscle tissue in the body. It is responsible for voluntary movement, such as walking, running, and lifting weights. Skeletal muscle cells are long and cylindrical, and they are arranged in bundles. The cells are also striated, which means that they have a striped appearance.

Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and bladder. It is also found in the blood vessels and airways. Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped, and they are not striated. Smooth muscle tissue contracts involuntarily, which means that we cannot control it consciously.