Question

multiple choice question

which of the following is a type of smooth muscle containing sheets of muscle that closely contact each other?

involuntary striated muscle
striated voluntary muscle
visceral smooth muscle
cardiac muscle

Explanation:

Analyze the question requirements

The question asks to identify a type of smooth muscle that contains sheets of muscle cells in close contact with each other.

Evaluate the options based on muscle classification

Using the Muscle Classifications knowledge point, we classify muscle tissues based on their structure (striated vs. smooth) and control mechanism (voluntary vs. involuntary):

• Involuntary striated muscle: This describes cardiac muscle.
• Striated voluntary muscle: This describes skeletal muscle.
• Cardiac muscle: This is a striated, involuntary muscle found in the heart.
• Visceral smooth muscle: Also known as single-unit smooth muscle, it is composed of sheets of spindle-shaped cells in close contact via gap junctions, allowing them to contract rhythmically as a single unit. This matches the description in the prompt.

Confirm the correct choice

Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs (like the stomach, intestines, and uterus) where cells are arranged in closely contacting sheets. Therefore, "Visceral smooth muscle" is the correct answer.

Answer:

• Involuntary striated muscle
• Striated voluntary muscle
• Visceral smooth muscle (Correct answer)
• Cardiac muscle