What is the type of involuntary muscle tissue found only in the heart?

Cardiac muscle is the type of involuntary muscle tissue that is exclusively found in the heart. This muscle tissue is characterized by its unique structure and function, which allows for the continuous and rhythmic contraction necessary for pumping blood throughout the body. Unlike skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control and connected to the skeleton for movement, cardiac muscle operates independently of conscious thought, thanks to its involuntary nature.

Cardiac muscle fibers are also striated, meaning they have a banded appearance due to the organized arrangement of sarcomeres, which are the functional units of muscle contraction. This striated characteristic is similar to that of skeletal muscle, but the two types of muscle are distinct in their control and location. Smooth muscle, which is also involuntary but operates in the walls of hollow organs (like the intestines and blood vessels), is different from both cardiac and skeletal muscle. Thus, the unique role of cardiac muscle in facilitating heart function makes it essential for sustaining life, setting it apart from the other types.