Which of the following is true concerning the anatomy of a skeletal muscle fiber?

• A. Skeletal muscle fibers contain intercalated discs.
• B. Skeletal muscle fibers are branched like cardiac muscle cells.
• C. Skeletal muscle fibers lack striations.
• D. Each skeletal muscle fiber is a single, multinucleated cell.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of skeletal muscle fibers: Skeletal muscle fibers are long, cylindrical cells that are multinucleated. This is a key characteristic that differentiates them from other muscle types.
2. Compare skeletal muscle fibers to cardiac muscle cells: Cardiac muscle cells are branched and contain intercalated discs, which are specialized junctions for communication and contraction. Skeletal muscle fibers do not have these features.
3. Examine the presence of striations: Skeletal muscle fibers are striated, meaning they have a striped appearance due to the arrangement of actin and myosin filaments. This is another distinguishing feature.
4. Clarify the multinucleated nature of skeletal muscle fibers: Each skeletal muscle fiber is formed by the fusion of multiple myoblasts during development, resulting in a single cell with multiple nuclei.
5. Conclude by identifying the correct statement: Based on the characteristics discussed, the correct answer is that each skeletal muscle fiber is a single, multinucleated cell.