Cardiac muscle is an example of which type of muscle tissue?

• A. Cardiac muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Striated muscle

Answer: (A)

Cardiac muscle is the tissue that forms the heart walls and drives its pumping action. It shares the striped appearance of skeletal muscle but is under involuntary control, meaning it contracts automatically without conscious effort. Cardiac muscle cells are branched and connected by intercalated discs, which allow rapid electrical coupling and synchronized contractions essential for a coordinated heartbeat. Smooth muscle, by contrast, is non-striated and found in walls of hollow organs, while skeletal muscle is striated and under voluntary control. While the term “striated muscle” describes appearance, it doesn’t specify the exact tissue type; the heart’s muscle specifically is cardiac muscle. Therefore, the best answer is cardiac muscle.