Question

How does skeletal muscle differ from smooth muscle?

Answer 1

Hint: Muscle is a type of contractile tissue which is used for movement and locomotion. Each muscle cell is made up of filaments of actin and myosin which undergo contraction to change length and shape to produce motion. There are three types of muscle tissue namely smooth, skeletal and cardiac muscles.

Complete answer:
Points of difference between skeletal and smooth muscle are :
Skeletal muscle is attached to the bones and smooth muscles are found in walls of hollow organs.
Smooth muscles are involuntary and skeletal muscles are voluntary.
Both skeletal muscles and smooth muscles are made up of actin and myosin which play an important role in muscle contraction but in smooth muscles, actin is present in a higher amount.
Skeletal muscles are long, cylindrical and multinucleated and smooth muscles and uninucleated with tapering ends.
Striations are present in skeletal muscles and are absent in smooth muscles.
Smooth muscles can self –stimulate themselves, unlike skeletal muscles.
Smooth muscles have lower energy requirements and low speed of contraction than skeletal muscles.
Skeletal muscle cells are regulated by the nervous and endocrine system while smooth muscles are regulated by the nervous system.

Additional information:
Another type of muscle is cardiac muscles which are found in the heart. These types of muscles are involuntary and consist of cells connected by intercalated discs. These muscles produce rhythmic contractions and are responsible for pumping action of the heart.

Note:
Skeletal muscles are striated muscles attached to bones. These muscles are voluntary, multinucleated, cylindrical and are regulated by the nervous and endocrine system. Smooth muscles are uninucleated with tapering ends. These muscles are non –striated and are regulated by the nervous system.