Which type of muscle cannot be consciously controlled?

The type of muscle that cannot be consciously controlled is indeed referred to as involuntary muscle. Involuntary muscles are those that operate automatically, without the direct control or conscious thought of an individual. This includes both cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart, and smooth muscle, which is found in various internal organs and blood vessels.

In contrast, skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, meaning that it can be consciously contracted and relaxed through the nervous system. This is the type of muscle we typically think of when we consider movement and physical activity.

Cardiac muscle, while involuntary, is often specifically categorized as such due to its unique characteristics and function in the heart. It operates rhythmically and independently, driven by the body's intrinsic pacemaker.

Understanding these classifications helps in recognizing how the body regulates movement and various internal functions, highlighting the autonomy of involuntary muscles in maintaining essential physiological processes without our conscious input.