The document summarizes the structure and function of skeletal muscle. It describes that skeletal muscle makes up 40-50% of body weight and functions to produce force for locomotion, breathing, and posture. The structure includes connective tissue layers surrounding bundles of muscle fibers called fascicles. Muscle fibers contain myofibrils with actin and myosin filaments that slide during contraction. Contraction is triggered by calcium release and the formation of cross-bridges between actin and myosin. Muscle fibers are either fast-twitch or slow-twitch and the fiber type composition varies with athletic performance and training.