Final answer:
The muscle is surrounded by three connective tissue layers: the epimysium, which covers the entire muscle; the perimysium, which organizes fibers into bundles called fascicles; and the endomysium, which encases individual muscle fibers within each fascicle. The correct answer is 1) Epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connective tissue layers that surround the muscle are the epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium. The epimysium is a sheath of dense, irregular connective tissue that encloses the entire muscle, providing structural integrity and allowing the muscle to contract and move independently from other tissues. The perimysium is a layer of connective tissue that organizes the muscle fibers into bundles called fascicles. Each individual muscle fiber within a fascicle is then wrapped in a thin layer called the endomysium, which contains extracellular fluid and nutrients, provided via blood vessels, to support the muscle fibers. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 1) Epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium.
These three layers of connective tissue play crucial roles in muscle function and organization. They support and protect muscle fibers, allow them to withstand the forces of contraction, and provide pathways for nerves and blood vessels. All of these connective tissues merge at the ends of the muscle to form a tendon, which attaches the muscle to bone, but the tendon itself is not considered one of the primary surrounding connective tissue layers.