What term describes muscles that operate without conscious control?

The term that describes muscles that operate without conscious control is involuntary muscle. These muscles function automatically and are responsible for essential processes in the body such as digestion and circulation. Involuntary muscles include smooth muscle, which is found in the walls of internal organs, and cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart. Their operation is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, allowing them to carry out their functions without the need for conscious thought or decision-making.

Cardiac muscle is a specific type of involuntary muscle that is only found in the heart and is involved in pumping blood throughout the body. Voluntary muscles, on the other hand, are those that can be consciously controlled, such as skeletal muscles that allow for movement and posture. Striated muscle refers to muscle tissue that has a banded appearance under a microscope, which includes both skeletal and cardiac muscles; however, it does not specify the control mechanism (conscious or unconscious) associated with muscle function. Thus, involuntary muscle is the most accurate term for muscles that operate without conscious control.