What is the main characteristic of skeletal muscles?

The main characteristic of skeletal muscles is that they facilitate movement of the body. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are responsible for the voluntary movements we perform, such as walking, running, or lifting objects. They work through contractions that pull on the skeleton, enabling motion in various ways.

This characteristic distinguishes skeletal muscles from other muscle types, such as smooth muscles, which facilitate digestion and are found in the walls of hollow organs, and cardiac muscles, which regulate heart rate through involuntary contractions. Skeletal muscles are unique because they are primarily under conscious control, allowing individuals to intentionally move their bodies.