Which muscle type is found in the heart of an animal?

The muscle type found in the heart of an animal is cardiac muscle. This type of muscle is unique to the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle is involuntary, meaning it operates without conscious control, and possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from skeletal and smooth muscles. It has striations similar to skeletal muscle, but unlike skeletal muscle, which is multinucleated and can be controlled voluntarily, cardiac muscle cells are interconnected and work in unison to allow for synchronized contractions. This structure helps maintain a steady heartbeat and efficient circulation of blood, which is essential for the animal's survival and overall function. The specific attributes of cardiac muscle, such as the presence of intercalated discs, enable rapid communication between cells, which is vital for the heart to function effectively.