What type of muscle fibers make up skeletal muscle?

Skeletal muscle is primarily composed of bundles of striated fibers. These striated fibers are characterized by a specific arrangement that gives them a banded appearance under a microscope, which is a distinctive feature of skeletal muscle. The striations result from the organized structure of the muscle fibers, which contain parallel arrays of actin and myosin filaments. This organization is crucial for the muscle's ability to contract and produce movement.

Each skeletal muscle fiber is a multinucleated cell that can generate force through contraction. The synaptic connections and the presence of motor neurons allow these fibers to be activated and work in coordination, leading to purposeful movements of the body. This distinct structural property differentiates skeletal muscle from other muscle types, such as smooth or cardiac muscle, which have different fiber structures and functions.