What type of muscle is classified as voluntary?

Skeletal muscle is classified as voluntary muscle because it is the type of muscle that you can consciously control. This means you can decide to move it, whether it's lifting an arm or walking. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are primarily responsible for the movement of the skeleton. They typically respond quickly to nervous system signals due to their structure and function.

In contrast, cardiac muscle, which is found only in the heart, operates involuntarily and is controlled by the body’s autonomic nervous system. Involuntary muscles, such as smooth muscle that lines the organs, also function without conscious control. Striated muscle refers to the banded appearance of skeletal and cardiac muscle under a microscope; however, this classification does not determine control over muscle contractions. Thus, the distinctive feature of skeletal muscle being under voluntary control is what makes it the correct choice in this context.