This is the outermost layer of connective tissue surrounding a skeletal muscle.
A epimysium
B ligament
C endomysium
D tendon
D perimysium
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Epimysium
Explanation (300 words)
The epimysium is the outermost layer of connective tissue that surrounds an entire skeletal muscle. It is a tough, fibrous sheath made of dense irregular connective tissue. Its main function is to protect the muscle from friction against other muscles and bones and to support blood vessels and nerves that enter the muscle.
To better understand the anatomy of skeletal muscles, it’s important to break down the layers:
- Epimysium: This is the outermost layer. It encases the whole muscle, keeping all fascicles (bundles of muscle fibers) together. It merges with tendons, which connect muscles to bones.
- Perimysium: This middle layer surrounds fascicles, which are bundles of individual muscle fibers. It provides pathways for nerves and blood vessels to access the interior of the muscle.
- Endomysium: The innermost layer surrounds each individual muscle fiber (muscle cell). It provides structural support and helps in transmitting the force generated by muscle contraction.
Now let’s briefly clarify the other answer choices:
- B. Ligament: This is a band of connective tissue that connects bone to bone, not muscle to bone.
- C. Endomysium: This is the innermost connective tissue layer, surrounding each individual muscle fiber, not the entire muscle.
- D. Tendon: This connects muscle to bone, helping to transmit the force of contraction. While it’s related to muscles, it is not a layer of connective tissue around a muscle.
- E. Perimysium: This surrounds fascicles, not the entire muscle.
In summary, the epimysium is the correct choice because it is the outermost connective tissue layer enclosing the entire skeletal muscle, providing protection and structural integrity.