Which description best fits the characteristics of smooth muscle?

Smooth muscle is characterized by being involuntary and non-striated. This means it operates without conscious control, allowing it to function automatically in various bodily processes such as digestion, blood vessel regulation, and the contraction of various internal organs. The absence of striations, which are present in skeletal and cardiac muscle, reflects the arrangement of smooth muscle fibers, which are individually tapered and organized in a more uniform, smooth manner, lending to its name.

Involuntary action is essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to internal stimuli without the need for conscious thought, making smooth muscle crucial for processes that are vital for survival but do not require direct control, such as peristalsis in the intestines or regulating blood flow in blood vessels.

The adaptability of smooth muscle allows it to maintain function under a wide range of conditions, such as varying degrees of stretch and tension, further supporting its role in different physiological contexts. Overall, the defining characteristics of smooth muscle make it a specialized and essential component of the muscular system.