Perimysium

Perimysium

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The perimysium is a connective tissue sheath that surrounds groups of skeletal muscle fibres, organizing them into bundles called fascicles. It is composed of denser irregular connective tissue than the endomysium and contains larger blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves that branch to supply the individual muscle fibres within each fascicle.

Functions

The perimysium provides:

  • Structural support and compartmentalization of fascicles.

  • A pathway for neurovascular supply to reach the endomysium.

  • Transmission of contractile force between fibres and toward 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.