What type of muscle tissue shows distinct alternating bands?

Striated muscle tissue is characterized by the presence of distinct alternating bands, which can be observed under a microscope due to the organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments within the muscle fibers. These bands give the tissue a striped appearance, hence the name "striated."

Striated muscle is primarily found in skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. In skeletal muscle, the striations contribute to the muscle's capability for voluntary movement, while in cardiac muscle, they support the function of the heart. The alternating light and dark bands correspond to the different filaments and their arrangement, playing a critical role in the contraction and relaxation cycle of the muscle.

The other options do not fit the description of showing distinct bands. Smooth muscle lacks these striations, appearing more uniform and non-striped, as it is an involuntary muscle involved in functions such as peristalsis in the digestive system. Connective muscle is not a recognized category of muscle tissue in the way the others are defined in biology.