Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

Which muscles function without conscious control and are responsible for tasks like digestion?

1. Skeletal muscles

2. Involuntary muscles

3. Cardiac muscles

4. Voluntary muscles

The correct answer is: Involuntary muscles

Involuntary muscles are the correct answer because they operate independently of conscious control, meaning that individuals do not need to actively think about their function for them to work. These muscles are essential for various automatic bodily functions, such as digestion and circulation. For instance, the muscles in the walls of the intestines contract rhythmically to move food through the digestive tract, and this process is regulated by the body's autonomic nervous system without any conscious effort. Skeletal muscles, in contrast, are under voluntary control, allowing individuals to perform actions such as walking or lifting. Cardiac muscles, while also involuntary, are specifically found in the heart and are responsible for pumping blood. Voluntary muscles refer to those that one can consciously control, primarily associated with movements and physical activities. Thus, the unique characteristic of involuntary muscles distinguishes them as the primary muscles responsible for tasks that occur without the need for conscious decision-making.