What type of muscle is identified as making up the wall of the heart?

The muscle that makes up the wall of the heart is cardiac muscle. This specialized muscle tissue is unique to the heart and is essential for pumping blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, are interconnected by intercalated discs, which allow for efficient signal transmission and coordinated contractions. This structure enables the heart to function as a unified organ, contracting rhythmically and automatically to maintain blood circulation.

In contrast, skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements and is attached to bones, while smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines and blood vessels, and operates involuntarily. Striated muscle refers to skeletal and cardiac muscles, characterized by their striations, but it does not specify the heart's muscle type. Thus, recognizing the specific type of muscle that constitutes the heart is crucial for understanding its function and physiology.