Skeletal muscle
A skeletal muscle is an organ, composed mostly of skeletal muscle fibers that are surrounded by three connective tissue layers: endomysium, perimysium and epimysium. These layers (1) bind the muscle fibers together; (2) separate groups of fibers into compartments; and (3) transmit the force of contraction to the point of muscle insertion. The three layers and are clearly shown in this section stained for connective tissue. Masson stain 100x
Muscle fibers
A skeletal muscle is an organ, composed mostly of skeletal muscle fibers that are surrounded by three connective tissue layers: endomysium, perimysium and epimysium. These layers (1) bind the muscle fibers together; (2) separate groups of fibers into compartments; and (3) transmit the force of contraction to the point of muscle insertion. The three layers and are clearly shown in this section stained for connective tissue. Masson stain 100x
Endomysium >
The endomysium surrounds individual muscle fibers.
Perimysium >
The perimysium encloses groups of fibers, defining fascicles.
- Fascicle
The perimysium encloses groups of fibers, defining fascicles.
Epimysium >
The epimysium surrounds the entire muscle and is continuous with a tendon.
