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Multiple Choice
A skeletal muscle fiber is:
A
a single, elongated, multinucleated cell
B
a type of connective tissue
C
an individual cardiac muscle cell
D
a bundle of smooth muscle cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of a skeletal muscle fiber. A skeletal muscle fiber is a single, elongated cell that is multinucleated, meaning it contains multiple nuclei within one cell. This is a unique characteristic of skeletal muscle fibers compared to other muscle types.
Step 2: Compare skeletal muscle fibers to other types of muscle cells. Skeletal muscle fibers differ from cardiac muscle cells, which are typically branched and have a single nucleus, and smooth muscle cells, which are spindle-shaped and also have a single nucleus.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. A skeletal muscle fiber is not a type of connective tissue, as connective tissue includes structures like tendons and ligaments, not muscle cells. It is also not a bundle of smooth muscle cells, as smooth muscle cells are found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, and they function differently from skeletal muscle fibers.
Step 4: Focus on the correct description. A skeletal muscle fiber is best described as a single, elongated, multinucleated cell, which is specialized for contraction and is part of the skeletal muscle system.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer by matching the characteristics of skeletal muscle fibers to the provided options. The correct answer is: 'a single, elongated, multinucleated cell.'