What is the connective tissue layer that encases the entire muscle called?

What is the connective tissue layer that encases the entire muscle called?

• A. Perimysium
• B. Epimysium
• C. Endomysium
• D. Sarcolemma

Answer: (B)

The outermost connective tissue that wraps around the whole muscle is the epimysium. It encases the entire muscle, providing structural support, protecting the muscle, and blending with tendons so the force generated by the muscle can be efficiently transmitted to the bone. It also contains nerves and blood vessels that supply the muscle. To place it in context with the other layers: the endomysium surrounds each individual muscle fiber inside the muscle; the perimysium surrounds a bundle of fibers called a fascicle; and the sarcolemma is the plasma membrane of a single muscle fiber, not a sheath around the entire muscle.

The outermost connective tissue that wraps around the whole muscle is the epimysium. It encases the entire muscle, providing structural support, protecting the muscle, and blending with tendons so the force generated by the muscle can be efficiently transmitted to the bone. It also contains nerves and blood vessels that supply the muscle.

To place it in context with the other layers: the endomysium surrounds each individual muscle fiber inside the muscle; the perimysium surrounds a bundle of fibers called a fascicle; and the sarcolemma is the plasma membrane of a single muscle fiber, not a sheath around the entire muscle.