Which muscle tissue lacks striations and is found in hollow organs?

• A. Skeletal muscle tissue
• B. Cardiac muscle tissue
• C. Smooth muscle tissue
• D. Nervous tissue

Answer: (C)

Smooth muscle tissue lacks striations and lines the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, and blood vessels. Its fibers are spindle-shaped and arranged in layers, allowing slow, continuous contractions that move contents along or regulate organ diameter. These contractions are involuntary and driven by the autonomic nervous system. In contrast, skeletal muscle has clear banding (striations) and is under voluntary control, while cardiac muscle also shows striations and is limited to the heart with specialized intercellular connections. Nervous tissue isn’t muscle at all.