What are the three major types of muscle tissue?

The three major types of muscle tissue are skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle, making this the correct choice.

Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements and is attached to bones; it has a striated appearance due to its organized fiber structure. This muscle type is under conscious control, allowing for deliberate actions such as walking, lifting, and other physical activities.

Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. This type of muscle is striated like skeletal muscle but operates involuntarily, meaning it functions without conscious control. Its unique intercalated discs facilitate synchronized contractions essential for efficient heart function.

Smooth muscle, found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and the bladder, is also involuntary and non-striated. Its contractions are generally slower and help facilitate processes like digestion and regulation of blood flow.

Understanding these three types helps in recognizing how they contribute to the body's overall function, including movement, circulation, and involuntary processes essential for survival.