Which best describes skeletal muscle?

• A. Smooth muscle in blood vessels
• B. Muscles attached to bones that move the skeleton
• C. Muscles around the heart
• D. Involuntary muscles

Answer: (B)

Skeletal muscle is the type that attaches to bones and moves the skeleton. It is under voluntary control, meaning you consciously decide to contract it, guided by the somatic nervous system. The fibers are striated and typically multinucleated, and they contract to pull on bones via tendons, producing movement at joints and helping maintain posture. The other options describe muscles not responsible for moving the skeleton: smooth muscle is found in blood vessel and organ walls and acts involuntarily, while cardiac muscle forms the heart and also contracts involuntarily. Describing skeletal muscle as attached to bones that move the skeleton best captures its role and control.