Structure and Development of Skeletal Muscle

The skeletal muscles of the torso and limbs arise from the mesoderm of the somites, while those of the head arise from the mesoderm of the somitomeres which contribute to the branchial (pharyngeal) arches. They form by the fusion and elongation of numerous precursor cells called 

Comparison of Four Types of Mammalian Cells Specialized for Contraction 

Cell Type Structure Contractile Properties Function 

Skeletal Long syncytial, multinucleated Rapid, powerful contractions Movement of the bony parts 

Cardiac Similar to skeletal muscle Similar to skeletal muscle Movement of blood by 

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