What is another name for smooth muscle tissue?

Smooth muscle tissue is also known as involuntary muscle because it operates without conscious control. This type of muscle is responsible for various automatic processes in the body, such as the movement of food through the digestive system, the contraction of blood vessels, and the regulation of airflow in the lungs. Unlike skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control and moves bones at joints, smooth muscle functions automatically to maintain essential bodily functions without requiring conscious thought.

Additionally, smooth muscle differs from striated muscle (which refers to skeletal muscle) and cardiac muscle in terms of structure and function. Striated muscle is characterized by a banded appearance and is primarily involved in voluntary movements, while cardiac muscle is a specialized form of striated muscle that makes up the heart and is also under involuntary control. Thus, the designation of smooth muscle as involuntary reflects its unique role in bodily processes independent of voluntary movement.