What type of muscle primarily composes the walls of blood vessels?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The walls of blood vessels are primarily composed of smooth muscle.
- Unlike skeletal and cardiac muscles, smooth muscle fibers are involuntary and do not have the striations seen in skeletal or cardiac muscle.
- This type of muscle allows blood vessels, especially arteries and veins, to contract and relax, thereby regulating blood pressure and controlling blood flow throughout the body.
- In contrast, cardiac muscle (also called myocardial muscle) is specialized for the heart's pumping action, while skeletal muscle is under voluntary control and primarily responsible for body movements.
- Therefore, the presence of smooth muscle in the vessel walls is essential for maintaining vascular tone and proper circulation.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 5: Blood Vessels