What type of muscle is responsible for voluntary movements and is often under conscious control?

Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements and is typically under conscious control. This type of muscle is characterized by its structure, which consists of long, cylindrical fibers that are striated (or striped), allowing for greater flexibility and control of movement. Skeletal muscles are attached to the bones of the skeleton and are primarily responsible for facilitating movements such as walking, lifting, and other physical actions.

In contrast, cardiac muscle, while also striated, operates involuntarily and is specialized for the continuous contraction of the heart, functioning independently of conscious control. Involuntary muscle generally refers to smooth muscle, which is found in organs and also functions without conscious thought. Striated muscle is a broader category that includes both skeletal and cardiac muscle. However, when specifically referring to voluntary movements, skeletal muscle is the clear answer as it is the only type of muscle with direct conscious control.