Which of the following is an example of an atypical cell?

An atypical cell is defined by characteristics that differ from the standard structures and functions typically seen in most cells. Striated muscle cells exhibit unique properties that make them atypical. Unlike many other cell types, striated muscle cells, also known as skeletal muscle fibers, are multinucleated, meaning they contain multiple nuclei within a single cell. This is a direct adaptation to their function, as their size and alignment facilitate the contraction necessary for movement.

Additionally, skeletal muscle cells are elongated and have a distinct striated appearance due to the organization of myofibrils and their sarcomere units of contraction. These features highlight their specialized nature when compared to more standard cells, which typically have a single nucleus and do not exhibit such complex structural arrangements.

In contrast, skeletal muscle, red blood cells, and neuroglia include cells that either conform to typical cellular characteristics or serve specific essential functions without the pronounced atypical traits observed in striated muscle fibers. This distinction reinforces why striated muscle cells are categorized as atypical within the context of cell classification.