Final answer:
Fascicles are bundles of muscle fibers surrounded by perimysium. Each muscle fiber within a fascicle is encased in endomysium, which contains nutrients and fluid. Epimysium surrounds the entire muscle, providing support and connecting the muscle to tendons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Skeletal muscles are composed of bundles of muscle fibers called fascicles. These fascicles are surrounded by a middle layer of connective tissue called perimysium. Within each fascicle, each muscle fiber is encased in a thin connective tissue layer called endomysium.
The endomysium contains extracellular fluid and nutrients to support the muscle fiber. The whole muscle is covered by a layer of connective tissue called epimysium. These connective tissues work together to support and protect the muscle fibers, provide pathways for nerves and blood vessels, and anchor the muscle to tendons.