Which type of muscle is found in the walls of the heart?

The muscle type found in the walls of the heart is cardiac muscle. This specialized tissue has distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other muscle types. Cardiac muscle is striated, similar to skeletal muscle, but it operates involuntarily, meaning it functions without conscious control. The cells of cardiac muscle are interconnected through structures called intercalated discs, which allow for rapid communication and synchronized contractions essential for effective heart function. This specialization makes cardiac muscle uniquely suited to pump blood continuously throughout the body, maintaining the circulation necessary for survival.

Skeletal muscle, while striated, is under voluntary control and is responsible for movement across the skeleton. Smooth muscle, found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels, is also involuntary but does not exhibit the striated appearance that defines skeletal and cardiac muscle. Voluntary muscle refers to skeletal muscle due to its conscious control, which does not apply to cardiac muscle. Therefore, the specific involuntary nature and structural adaptations of cardiac muscle clearly indicate its exclusive role in the heart's anatomy and function.