What type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs?

Smooth muscle is the type of muscle found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines, blood vessels, and the bladder. This muscle type operates involuntarily, meaning it is not under conscious control. Smooth muscle fibers are non-striated and spindle-shaped, allowing for efficient contractions that move substances through the hollow organs. This characteristic is essential for processes such as digestion and the regulation of blood flow.

In contrast, cardiac muscle is found exclusively in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is under voluntary control, enabling movements of the skeletal system. Striated muscle includes both skeletal and cardiac muscle, but it does not encompass smooth muscle, which is defined by its lack of striations and different functional properties. Each type of muscle has specific roles and locations within the body, emphasizing the uniqueness of smooth muscle in the context of hollow organs.