What are voluntary muscles and involuntary muscles?

Voluntary muscles, also known as skeletal muscles, are those which we can consciously control. We can decide when to move or flex a specific part of our body through voluntary muscles. They are usually connected to our skeleton and responsible for our range of movements, like walking, writing, lifting objects, etc.

On the other hand, involuntary muscles or smooth muscles work independently of our control. We lack direct influence over how and when they contract or relax. These muscles form part of several internal organs such as the stomach, heart, lungs, blood vessels, intestines, the bladder, etc. Involuntary muscles ensure important tasks, including pumping of blood by the heart, peristaltic movements throughout the digestive tract, contraction of airways, and regulating pupil size based on light conditions.