Which of the following types of muscle is characterized by voluntary control?

Skeletal muscle is characterized by voluntary control, meaning that its contractions can be consciously controlled by the individual. This type of muscle is connected to bones and plays a crucial role in facilitating movement throughout the body. The contraction of skeletal muscle fibers is initiated by the nervous system, allowing for precise and deliberate movements, such as lifting an object or walking.

In contrast, cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart, operates involuntarily and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and hormones. Its contractions are coordinated to ensure the heart pumps blood efficiently throughout the body. Similarly, smooth muscle, found in walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels, is also under involuntary control, responding to stimuli such as stretch and hormonal signals rather than conscious commands.

Thus, the defining characteristic of skeletal muscle as being under voluntary control distinguishes it from both cardiac and smooth muscle, which function automatically without direct conscious effort.