Identify a major difference between smooth and striated muscle.

Identify a major difference between smooth and striated muscle.

• A. Smooth muscle is voluntary, while striated muscle is involuntary
• B. Smooth muscle lacks striations due to its non-organized arrangement of filaments
• C. Striated muscle is found in the digestive system, while smooth muscle is in the heart
• D. Both muscle types are identical in structure

Answer: (B)

Smooth muscle can be characterized by the absence of striations, which is a result of the non-organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments. In smooth muscle, these filaments are not arranged in the parallel, organized manner typical of striated muscle, leading to a more uniform appearance under a microscope. This structural characteristic is crucial because it differentiates smooth muscle from striated muscle, which does exhibit a banded appearance due to its highly organized structure that allows for the efficient contraction and movement associated with skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. Understanding the structural differences is key in recognizing how the two types of muscle function differently within the body.

Smooth muscle can be characterized by the absence of striations, which is a result of the non-organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments. In smooth muscle, these filaments are not arranged in the parallel, organized manner typical of striated muscle, leading to a more uniform appearance under a microscope. This structural characteristic is crucial because it differentiates smooth muscle from striated muscle, which does exhibit a banded appearance due to its highly organized structure that allows for the efficient contraction and movement associated with skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. Understanding the structural differences is key in recognizing how the two types of muscle function differently within the body.