Final answer:
Skeletal muscle tissue under a microscope shows a striated pattern due to the arrangement of contractile proteins actin and myosin. The tissue consists of elongated cells with multiple peripheral nuclei, differentiating it from smooth muscle tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under a microscope, skeletal muscle tissue displays a distinctive striped or striated appearance. These striations are due to the orderly arrangement of contractile proteins, specifically actin and myosin, which are essential for muscle contraction. The skeletal muscle cells, also known as myocytes or muscle fibers, are elongated and cylindrical, with multiple nuclei typically located at the periphery of the cell.
These cells are easily distinguishable from smooth muscle tissue, which does not exhibit this striated pattern and generally has single, centrally located nuclei. The arrangement of actin and myosin in skeletal muscle is highly regular, leading to the bands visible under the microscope. This organization is critical for the coordinated contraction that allows for voluntary movements of the body.