Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

Which muscle tissue is involuntary, non-striated, and controlled by the autonomic nervous system?

1. Cardiac

2. Skeletal

3. Synergy

4. Visceral

The correct answer is: Visceral

The correct choice is based on the characteristics of visceral muscle tissue, which is involuntary, non-striated, and regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Visceral muscles, also known as smooth muscles, are found in various internal organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and bladder. This type of muscle tissue is responsible for functions like the movement of food through the digestive tract and the regulation of blood flow through blood vessels, without conscious control. Involuntary means that a person does not need to consciously think about contracting these muscles; they automatically respond to the body’s needs. The non-striated nature refers to the appearance of smooth muscle when viewed under a microscope; unlike skeletal muscle, which has a banded or striated appearance, smooth muscle appears more uniform and lacks these distinct lines. Being controlled by the autonomic nervous system signifies that functions such as digestion and circulation are regulated through involuntary processes, ensuring the body can maintain homeostasis without direct conscious effort. The other types of muscle tissue mentioned have distinct characteristics that set them apart from visceral muscle. Cardiac muscle, while also involuntary, is striated and found exclusively in the heart. Skeletal muscle is both voluntary and striated and is under