Voluntary Versus Involuntary Muscles

Skeletal muscles are the only voluntary muscles within the body, which means that they are used through the voluntary choice of the person in control. The only exception to this for skeletal muscles is reflexes, in which a skeletal muscle is activated on an involuntary basis.

Smooth muscles and cardiac muscles are involuntary muscles, and act involuntarily (meaning the person doesn’t decide when or how to use them).