This document discusses the characteristics and functions of smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is classified as non-striated involuntary muscle that tapers at both ends. Individual smooth muscle fibers can range from 6mm to 500mm in length depending on their location in the body. Each fiber contains a single nucleus, sarcoplasm with contractile filaments of actin and myosin, mitochondria and other organelles. Smooth muscle is innervated by the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for functions like childbirth, urination, blood flow, digestion, and breathing.