American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What is the classification of skeletal muscles?

1. Striated involuntary

2. Cardiac involuntary

3. Striated voluntary

4. Smooth voluntary

The correct answer is: Striated voluntary

Skeletal muscles are classified as striated voluntary muscles because they are characterized by a distinct banding pattern (striations) visible under a microscope, which arises from the arrangement of sarcomeres. These muscles are under voluntary control, meaning that their contraction is consciously regulated by the nervous system, allowing for precise movements and coordinated actions that are necessary for locomotion, posture, and other activities. In contrast, both cardiac muscles and smooth muscles are classified differently: cardiac muscles, located in the heart, are also striated but are involuntary, meaning they function automatically and are not consciously controlled. Smooth muscles, found in the walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels, are not striated and are also involuntary, operating outside of conscious control. Therefore, the classification of skeletal muscle as striated voluntary reflects its unique characteristics and functional control mechanism, highlighting the distinction from other muscle types.