Epimysium

Epimysium

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The epimysium is the outermost connective tissue layer surrounding the entire skeletal muscle. It is composed of dense irregular connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibres, and is continuous with the deep fascia and tendon at the muscle’s attachment sites.

Functions

  • Enclose and protect the muscle as a whole.

  • Allow gliding movement between adjacent muscles.

  • Contribute to force transmission from muscle fibres to the skeleton through its continuity with perimysium, endomysium, and tendons.

Layer

Encloses

Tissue type

Endomysium

Individual muscle fibre

Loose connective tissue

Perimysium

Fascicle (bundle of muscle fibres)

Dense irregular connective tissue

Epimysium

Whole muscle

Dense irregular connective tissue

References

  • Dave HD, Shook M, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Skeletal Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537236/

  • Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.