Skeletal Muscles:
• Skeletal muscle cells are very long (up to 30 cm), cylindrical, striated and multinucleated. The striations reflect the regular pattern of distribution of the myofilaments (contractile proteins) inside the cells. The nuclei are located on the periphery of the cells. Skeletal muscle cells are arranged in parallel, in bundles tied together by connective tissue and anchored at both ends by tendons to bones or other supporting tissues.
• Skeletal muscles attach to and cover the bony skeleton. Some skeletal muscles (facial muscles) attach to the skin.
• Skeletal muscles cause gross body movements and facial expressions. By a succession of endless tiny contractions they maintain body posture in spite of the pull of gravity. Because they generate heat when they contract, they have an important role in maintaining a constant body temperature.