Types of Muscles

Muscles are of the following three types :

1. Voluntary or Striped Muscles.
2. Involuntary or Unstriped Muscles.
3. Cardiac Muscles.

1. Voluntary or Striped Muscles:
The muscles which work according to one’s will are known as voluntary or striped muscles. These muscles are related to our brain: Among these types of muscles are those of hands, legs, neck, the upper part of the abdomen, etc. With continuous work these muscles are prone to fatigue. These muscles continue to work on the received message, and provide movement to the body, keep the body safe and produce heat in the body.

2. Involuntary or Unstriped Muscles:
Involuntary muscles are those which are not controlled by one’s will or desire. They continue to work unintendedly. Such muscles are found in heart, liver, intestines, etc. They continue to function even when one is asleep. They help in the functioning of blood circulation and digestion. Their chief characteristics are contraction, expansion and flexibility.

3. Cardiac Muscles.
Muscles of heart are a mixture of the first two types of muscles. But they are not under one’s control.