Which type of muscle has a shape that is elongated with blunt ends?

The shape of muscle tissue is critical in its functional role and can help distinguish the various types of muscle. Skeletal muscle fibers are indeed elongated and have a distinctive shape, characterized by being cylindrical and tapering to blunt ends. This structure allows skeletal muscle to contract efficiently, facilitating movement of the skeleton and providing strength and stability to the body.

In contrast, cardiac muscle, found in the heart, has a more branched structure with intercalated discs that connect individual cells, allowing for more cohesive contractions but differing in shape from skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle fibers are also elongated but do not have the same distinct tapering at the ends; they typically have a more spindle-like appearance. Connective muscle is not a recognized category of muscle tissue in anatomy, further affirming that the correct description aligns with skeletal muscle's features.

Therefore, the correct identification of the muscle type with an elongated shape and blunt ends corresponds to skeletal muscle, highlighting its anatomical and functional characteristics.