Skeletal Muscle Tissue (Center Illustration) – striated, voluntary control. The skeletal movements are controlled by this type of muscle, which is linked to the bone. The skeletal muscles are controlled by the peripheral component of the central nervous system (CNS). These muscles can be controlled voluntarily or consciously. The muscle fiber, which has numerous nuclei, is the fundamental unit. These muscle fibers are striated (meaning they have transverse streaks) and function independently of one another. Movement, heat production, and posture are the three main functions of skeletal muscle.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue (Left Illustration) – striated, involuntary control. The autonomic nervous system also controls the type of muscle found in the heart’s walls. Like smooth muscle, the cardiac muscle has a single central nucleus, but it is also striated like skeletal muscle. The heart muscle cell is shaped like a rectangle. Cardiac muscle contractions are involuntary, powerful, and regular.

Smooth Muscle Tissue (Right Illustration) – nonstriated, involuntary control.The autonomic nervous system regulates the type of muscle present in the walls of hollow internal organs such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, and the uterus. Smooth muscle is incapable of cognitive control and hence operates spontaneously. The spindle-shaped nonstriated (smooth) muscle cell has one central nucleus. Smooth muscle contracts slowly and in a regular pattern.