Which statement about skeletal muscle structure is true?

• A. Endomysium surrounds each fascicle.
• B. Epimysium surrounds each fascicle.
• C. Perimysium surrounds each fascicle.
• D. Fascia surrounds the entire muscle.

Answer: (C)

Perimysium is the connective tissue that surrounds each fascicle, the bundle of muscle fibers within a muscle. This layer organizes fibers into working groups and contains blood vessels and nerves that service those fibers. Inside each fascicle, the individual muscle fibers are wrapped by the endomysium, and the entire muscle is enclosed by the epimysium. Fascia can surround muscles or groups of muscles, but the specific layer that encases a fascicle is the perimysium. So, the statement that perimysium surrounds each fascicle is the accurate description of skeletal muscle structure.