What defines skeletal muscle?

Skeletal muscle is defined as voluntary and striated muscle that is primarily responsible for the movement of bones and is attached to one or more bones through tendons. This type of muscle is under conscious control, allowing individuals to move their limbs and body parts intentionally. The striations, which are alternating dark and light bands visible under a microscope, arise from the organized structure of the muscle fibers and the protein filaments that enable contraction.

Skeletal muscle plays a critical role in a variety of functions, including posture, movement, and stability. The connection to bones is essential, as muscle contractions pull on these bones to facilitate movement at the joints. This distinguishes skeletal muscle from other muscle types, such as cardiac muscle, which is involuntary and found only in the heart, and smooth muscle, which is involuntary and found in the walls of hollow organs and blood vessels. The unique characteristics of skeletal muscle make it vital for locomotion and daily activities.