Which type of muscle is also known as visceral muscle and is found in various organs?

Smooth muscle, often referred to as visceral muscle, is a type of non-striated muscle that is found in the walls of various internal organs such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. This type of muscle operates involuntarily, meaning it functions without conscious control, allowing for processes such as digestion and circulation to occur seamlessly.

Smooth muscle is characterized by its spindle-shaped cells that taper at both ends, making it distinct from the striated appearance of skeletal and cardiac muscles. Its contractions are generally slower and more sustained, which is essential for the functions it performs in the organs, such as moving food through the digestive tract or regulating blood flow in the vascular system.

Recognizing the role of smooth muscle in the human body is crucial for understanding various physiological processes, particularly in the context of cookery or nutrition, where the digestive system plays a key role.