What type of muscle is controlled by the autonomic nervous system?

Smooth muscle is indeed the type of muscle controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, bladder, and blood vessels. Unlike skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control and can be consciously manipulated, smooth muscle functions automatically without conscious thought.

The autonomic nervous system regulates bodily functions that are not consciously directed, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. Because smooth muscle contracts involuntarily, it responds to signals from the autonomic nervous system to regulate various physiological processes. Hormones and neurotransmitters play a crucial role in signaling these contractions, allowing for the regulation of functions like peristalsis in the digestive tract or blood vessel diameter for blood pressure control.

While cardiac muscle also operates involuntarily and is influenced by the autonomic nervous system, it is specifically found in the heart and is distinct in structure and function from smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle, on the other hand, is primarily associated with voluntary movement and is controlled by the somatic nervous system. Thus, smooth muscle is the primary muscle type directly regulated by the autonomic nervous system, focusing on involuntary actions essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.