What type of muscles are attached to bones and enable voluntary movement?

Skeletal muscles are the type of muscles attached to bones that enable voluntary movement. These muscles are composed of long, striated fibers, which are under conscious control, meaning that the brain can send signals to them to contract or relax, allowing for activities such as walking, running, and lifting objects.

In addition to enabling movement, skeletal muscles also play critical roles in maintaining posture and generating heat through muscle contractions. They work in pairs, where one muscle contracts while the opposing muscle relaxes, facilitating smooth movement of body parts.

Other types of muscles serve different functions. Smooth muscles, for example, are not striated and are found in the walls of internal organs; they operate involuntarily, supporting processes like digestion and blood vessel regulation. Cardiac muscles, found exclusively in the heart, are also involuntary and responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Involuntary muscles is a broader term that encompasses both smooth and cardiac muscles, highlighting their lack of conscious control.