What is a characteristic of skeletal muscle?

Skeletal muscle is characterized by its striated appearance, which is a result of its organized arrangement of myofibrils within the muscle fibers. These striations are visible under a microscope as alternating light and dark bands, indicating the presence of actin and myosin filaments that are responsible for muscle contraction. This specific structure enables skeletal muscles to contract voluntarily, giving them the ability to control movements of the body, such as walking or lifting objects.

The other options describe characteristics of other muscle types or physiological functions. For example, involuntary control is typical of smooth and cardiac muscles, which operate automatically without conscious thought. The presence of muscle in the walls of the heart pertains to cardiac muscle, which is also striated but functions differently from skeletal muscle. Regarding digestion, smooth muscle is responsible for propelling food through the digestive system, not skeletal muscle. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique features and functions of skeletal muscle in comparison to other muscle types.