What is a characteristic of muscle tissue?

Master the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and clarifications. Prepare for the exam with confidence!

Muscle tissue is characterized by its unique structure and function, which enables movement and contraction. The correct choice highlights that muscle tissue is formed by clustered large cells that have a uniform shape. These large cells, known as muscle fibers, are specialized for contraction and are arranged in a way that allows them to efficiently generate force.

Muscle fibers can be classified into different types based on their specific characteristics, such as appearance and functionality. Skeletal muscle, for example, consists of long, cylindrical cells that are multinucleated and exhibit a striated appearance due to the organized arrangement of contractile proteins. Cardiac muscle also features striated fibers but is branched and interconnected. Smooth muscle, while not striated, is composed of spindle-shaped cells that are uniform in shape as well.

This arrangement and uniformity of muscle cells are critical for the coordinated contractions that enable movement in the body. Hence, when identifying a characteristic of muscle tissue, the presence of large, uniform cells in clusters is essential to its function and structure.

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