Final answer:
The skeletal muscle is organized into a hierarchy of connective tissues, with the periosteum surrounding bones, tendons connecting muscle to bone, and several layers of connective tissue such as the epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium encasing muscle structures. These tissues support muscular function, allow muscular movement, and provide pathways for blood vessels and nerves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anatomical organization of skeletal muscle involves several layers of connective tissue, each with a specific role:
- Periosteum is a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds bones and serves as an attachment point for tendons and muscles.
- Tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone, allowing for the transmission of force and movement.
- Fascia is a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue that covers, supports, and separates muscles.
- The epimysium is a layer of dense, irregular connective tissue that surrounds the entire muscle, allowing it to contract and move powerfully.
- The perimysium is a connective tissue layer that organizes muscle fibers into bundles called fascicles.
- A fasciculus, or fascicle, is a bundle of muscle fibers surrounded by the perimysium.
- The endomysium is a thin connective tissue that wraps each individual muscle fiber within a fascicle, providing support and nutrients.
- Muscle fiber is the individual muscle cell that contracts to produce movement.
Corrections:
- Statement A is incorrect: Epimysium surrounds the entire muscle whereas perimysium covers each fascicle within the muscle.
- Statement B is incorrect: Fascia does not connect muscles to bones directly; rather, fascia covers muscles and tendons connect muscles to bones.
- Statement C is incorrect: Endomysium covers individual muscle fibers, not fascicles.
- Statement D is incorrect: Periosteum surrounds bone and does not connect muscle fibers to tendons.