Which of the following best describes a skeletal muscle?

Skeletal muscle is best described as being striated and voluntary. This type of muscle tissue is characterized by its distinct banding pattern, or striations, which are visible under a microscope. These striations are due to the orderly arrangement of myofilaments (actin and myosin) within the muscle fibers.

Additionally, skeletal muscle is considered voluntary because it is under the conscious control of the nervous system. This allows an individual to consciously decide when to contract these muscles, enabling movements such as walking, running, and lifting. The ability to control this muscle type is fundamental for all voluntary movements of the body.

In contrast, the other options describe muscle types that either lack striations, are involuntary, or do not fit the characteristics of skeletal muscle. For example, smooth muscle is non-striated and involuntary, and cardiac muscle, although striated, is also involuntary. Understanding these traits is crucial for distinguishing between the three types of muscle tissue in the human body.