Which connective tissue layer surrounds a fascicle within a skeletal muscle?

• A. Endomysium
• B. Epimysium
• C. Perimysium
• D. Superficial fascia

Answer: (C)

The layer surrounding a fascicle is the perimysium. A fascicle is a bundle of muscle fibers, and the perimysium wraps that bundle, keeping the fibers organized together and separating different fascicles within the muscle. Inside each fascicle, individual fibers are wrapped by the endomysium, while the entire muscle is enclosed by the epimysium. Superficial fascia lies outside the muscle’s own connective tissue layers, serving as a regional layer beneath the skin rather than a muscle-specific wrapping. The perimysium also houses the larger blood vessels and nerves that service the fibers in the fascicle, helping coordinate their activity.