Voluntary Muscles: Control & Function in the Human Body

The parts of your body that rely on voluntary muscles are those that you can consciously control. These include the muscles in your limbs, face, neck, and trunk. Voluntary muscles are also known as skeletal muscles because they are attached to your bones.

Some examples of voluntary muscles include:

* The biceps muscle in your upper arm, which you use to bend your elbow

* The deltoid muscle in your shoulder, which you use to raise your arm

* The quadriceps muscle in your thigh, which you use to straighten your leg

* The masseter muscle in your jaw, which you use to chew

Voluntary muscles are important for a variety of activities, including walking, running, climbing, and lifting objects. They also allow you to express yourself through facial expressions and gestures.

In contrast to voluntary muscles, involuntary muscles are those that you cannot consciously control. These include the muscles in your heart, lungs, and digestive system. Involuntary muscles are also known as smooth muscles because they do not have the striated appearance of skeletal muscles.