Final answer:
A skeletal muscle can contract without shortening during isometric contractions, where tension is generated but the muscle length doesn't change, unlike in isotonic contractions where muscles shorten or lengthen.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, a skeletal muscle can contract without shortening. This occurs during isometric contractions, where the muscle generates tension but the length of the muscle fibers does not change because the muscle is contracting against a load that is not moving. For example, when you try to push a wall, your muscles are generating force even though the wall does not move and your muscles do not shorten. Isometric contractions enable posture maintenance and joint stabilization.
However, during isotonic contractions, the muscle changes length. These contractions involve either shortening during a concentric contraction (e.g., lifting a weight) or lengthening during an eccentric contraction (e.g., lowering a weight).