Which of the following is a characteristic of voluntary muscles?

Voluntary muscles, also known as striated or skeletal muscles, have the defining characteristic of being under conscious control. This means that individuals can intentionally contract these muscles to produce movement. They are primarily attached to bones via tendons, allowing for a wide range of motions, such as walking, running, and lifting objects. These muscles are directly controlled by the somatic nervous system, which enables the individual to decide when to use them.

This clear distinction sets them apart from involuntary muscles, which operate automatically without conscious thought and are responsible for functions such as digestion and heart beating. Understanding this difference highlights why recognizing the function of voluntary muscles is crucial in various medical and physiological contexts.