Final answer:
The statement that viscoelasticity in skeletal muscle means it has the ability to stretch and remain stretched over time is false. Skeletal muscle instead exhibits properties of elasticity and extensibility, allowing it to stretch and return to its original length, but not to remain stretched as viscoelastic materials do.
Step-by-step explanation:
Viscoelasticity in skeletal muscle is a false statement. Skeletal muscle does exhibit elasticity, allowing it to return to its original length after being stretched. This property is attributed to elastic fibers within the muscle. However, viscoelasticity implies that a material not only has elastic properties but also viscous components that cause the material to undergo time-dependent strain, which does not describe the elastic behavior of skeletal muscles accurately.
Skeletal muscle is also known for its extensibility, meaning it can stretch or extend. Notably, during muscle contraction, the muscle shortens due to its property of contractility, and during eccentric contraction, the muscle lengthens as tension diminishes. Additionally, skeletal muscle is encapsulated by connective tissue layers such as the endomysium, which is loose and well-hydrated tissue covering each muscle fiber, and epimysium, the outer layer.