Which type of muscle is attached to bones and responsible for movement?

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that is directly attached to bones and is responsible for voluntary movements in the body. It is characterized by its striated appearance and the ability to contract quickly and powerfully. Skeletal muscles work in pairs to facilitate movement; when one muscle contracts, the other relaxes, allowing for a wide range of motions. This muscle type is under conscious control, meaning we can decide when to move it, like raising an arm or walking.

In contrast, smooth muscle is found in the walls of internal organs and blood vessels and is responsible for involuntary movements, such as the movement of food through the digestive system. Cardiac muscle, found specifically in the heart, is also involuntary and striated but functions to pump blood throughout the body. Connective muscle is not a recognized type of muscle tissue; rather, it pertains to tissues that support, bind, or separate other tissues and organs in the body. Therefore, the direct association of skeletal muscle with bones and voluntary movement makes it the correct answer.