What is the primary function of skeletal muscles?

The primary function of skeletal muscles is to control body movements. Skeletal muscles are often referred to as voluntary muscles because their contractions are consciously controlled by the nervous system. They play a crucial role in facilitating movement by contracting and relaxing in response to signals from the brain and spinal cord. This allows for a wide range of activities, from simple actions like walking and lifting to complex movements required in sports and dance.

While skeletal muscles do generate heat as a byproduct of metabolism and activity, and they contribute to overall body temperature regulation, this is a secondary function. The facilitation of digestion is primarily the role of smooth muscles found in the digestive tract, not skeletal muscle. Similarly, hormone regulation is mostly managed by endocrine glands rather than skeletal muscle, which does not directly engage in hormonal functions. Thus, controlling body movements is where the primary function of skeletal muscles lies, making it the correct choice in this context.