Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle, also known as striated muscle, is under voluntary control and is attached to bones by tendons. It is characterized by long, cylindrical cells called muscle fibers, which are multinucleated. The striations in skeletal muscle are due to the arrangement of contractile proteins, actin, and myosin, within the muscle fibers.
Cardiac Muscle
Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Like skeletal muscle, it is striated, but it operates involuntarily. Cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, are branched and interconnected by intercalated discs, which allow for the rapid transmission of electrical impulses.
Smooth Muscle
Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and the bladder. Unlike skeletal and cardiac muscle, smooth muscle is not striated and is under involuntary control. Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped and have a single nucleus. They are responsible for peristalsis and other involuntary movements.
