What is one of the main differences between skeletal muscle and smooth muscle?

Skeletal muscle is characterized by its striated appearance and its voluntary control, which means that it can be consciously controlled by the individual. This type of muscle is responsible for enabling movement of the skeleton and facilitating various bodily functions such as walking, lifting, and running. The striations in skeletal muscle are due to the organized arrangement of muscle fibers and myofibrils, which are lacking in smooth muscle, making those fibers appear non-striated. Additionally, skeletal muscles are connected to bones by tendons, illustrating their role in movement.

The statement about skeletal muscle being found only in the heart is inaccurate, as that function pertains to cardiac muscle, which is distinct from skeletal muscle. While skeletal muscle is indeed under voluntary control, smooth muscle operates involuntarily and is found in organs and structures like the intestines and blood vessels. Therefore, the distinction of skeletal muscle being striated and voluntarily controlled is a foundational concept in understanding the differences between these muscle types.