Smooth muscles are a type of involuntary muscle found in various organs throughout the body, such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. Unlike skeletal muscles, which are under conscious control, smooth muscles operate automatically to perform essential functions like moving food through the digestive system and regulating blood flow. These muscles are composed of elongated, spindle-shaped cells that contract slowly and rhythmically. They play a crucial role in processes such as peristalsis, the wave-like movement that pushes food through the digestive tract, and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels, which helps maintain blood pressure.