The statement that smooth muscle contracts faster than skeletal muscle is false.
Skeletal muscle is known for its ability to contract quickly and generate rapid movements. This is crucial for activities such as running, jumping, and lifting. Skeletal muscle fibers are large and have a well-developed system of motor units that enable fast and powerful contractions.
On the other hand, smooth muscle, which is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels, contracts more slowly. Its contractions are typically sustained and rhythmic, allowing for functions like peristalsis in the digestive tract and regulating blood flow in blood vessels. Although smooth muscle can contract over a prolonged period, its contraction speed is significantly slower compared to that of skeletal muscle.
In summary, while both types of muscle are essential for different functions within the body, the idea that smooth muscle contracts faster than skeletal muscle is not accurate.