Final answer:
The order of the units within a skeletal muscle from smallest to largest is sarcomere, myofibril, muscle fiber, and fascicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper order of the units within a skeletal muscle from smallest to largest is:
- Sarcomere: The sarcomere is the basic contracting and functional unit of skeletal muscle. It is the smallest unit of organization in the muscle and is composed of actin and myosin filaments.
- Myofibril: Myofibrils are made up of a linear arrangement of sarcomeres and are responsible for muscle contraction. They run parallel to each other within a muscle fiber.
- Muscle fiber: Muscle fibers, also known as muscle cells, are long, cylindrical cells that make up the muscle. Multiple myofibrils run within each muscle fiber.
- Fascicle: Fascicles are bundles of muscle fibers and are surrounded by connective tissue. They give muscles their distinct shape and allow for coordinated movement.