American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a type of muscle found in the body?

1. Skeletal muscle

2. Cardiac muscle

3. Elastic muscle

4. Smooth muscle

The correct answer is: Elastic muscle

The correct answer highlights that "elastic muscle" is not a recognized type of muscle in the human body. In human anatomy, there are three primary types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is responsible for voluntary movements. It enables actions like walking, running, and lifting. This muscle type is characterized by striated fibers and the capacity for conscious control. Cardiac muscle, found exclusively in the heart, operates involuntarily. It is also striated but differs in its structure, allowing for synchronized contraction to pump blood throughout the body. Smooth muscle, on the other hand, is found in various organs, including the intestines and blood vessels. It is not striated and works involuntarily to regulate functions such as digestion and the circulation of blood. While the term "elastic muscle" might suggest some properties of muscle tissue, it is not defined or recognized as a separate category within human anatomy. Thus, focusing on the established categories of muscle types clarifies why "elastic muscle" is not a valid choice in this context.