Click Here Muscle as viewed through a microscope Striated Muscle has three major variations based on contractile characteristics.
All forms require excitation from a neuron at the motor end plate.
The fibers can be quite long with multiple nuclei maintaining these potentially elongate cells. The high use of ATP quickly tires this muscle form but rapid, forceful, motion is gained. Slower contracting forms with lots of oxygen storing pigments are important in many ways calling for extended delivery of force. Finally, an intermediate form - the fast oxidative fibers , are intermediate between the two extremes. This form responds well to training.