Question

How does the excitability of smooth muscle differ from skeletal muscle?

a) Smooth muscle is excited by electrical impulses
b) Smooth muscle can only be excited by hormones
c) Smooth muscle can be excited in multiple ways while skeletal muscle is only excited by a neuron
d) Both smooth and skeletal muscles are excited similarly

Answer 1

Smooth muscle can be excited via multiple stimuli including hormones and local conditions, not only by neuronal input like skeletal muscle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excitability of smooth muscle differs from skeletal muscle in that smooth muscle can be excited in multiple ways while skeletal muscle is primarily excited by neuron signaling. In skeletal muscle, the excitation phase always starts with signals from the somatic motor division of the nervous system, meaning that they rely heavily on neural input to initiate contraction. On the other hand, smooth muscle can also respond to stimuli such as hormones and local conditions within the body. Additionally, while skeletal muscle contracts following an excitation by electrical impulses conveyed via nerves, smooth muscle contractions can be stimulated internally by pacemaker cells and other non-neuronal factors.