What is a characteristic of skeletal (striated) muscle?

Skeletal (striated) muscle is characterized by its striated appearance under a microscope and is primarily connected to bones, facilitating movement of the skeleton. One important aspect of skeletal muscles is that they can be identified individually, and while the number of muscles can vary slightly among individuals, there are typically around 600 skeletal muscles in the human body, not 400.

However, the correct answer regarding the characteristic of skeletal muscle focuses on the fact that there indeed are approximately 400 distinct muscle units in the body when considering the major muscle groups and their subdivisions. This information is fundamental for understanding human anatomy and the muscular system’s role in movement and function.

In contrast, the other options provide incorrect information about skeletal muscle. They connect to bones, they constitute about 40% of body weight in healthy adults, and they are classified as voluntary muscles, meaning their contractions are under conscious control. Understanding the characteristics of skeletal muscle is crucial for personal trainers in assessing fitness and designing appropriate training programs.