Epimysium
It is a fibrous tissue that envelopes the skeletal muscle. It protects from the friction between bones and muscles. Epimysium is regular on tendons and irregular on muscles. It becomes collagenous and thicker with the tendons.
It is seen as a continuous connective tissue, along with other structures like endomysium, fascia and perimysium.
Fascia
It is a band of connective tissue beneath the skin that separates the muscles from internal organs. Fascia is a loosely packed sheet of collagen. These collagen are produced by the fibroblast cells in the fascia. It helps to transmit the mechanical tension produced by muscles. Also, it helps to reduce friction. It is classified into –
- Superficial fascia
- Deep fascia
- Visceral fascia
Difference between Epimysium and Fascia
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Epimysium |
Fascia |
|---|---|
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It is a dense fibrous connective tissue that encloses the whole muscle. |
It is a fibrous connective tissue beneath the skin. |
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It is a sheath that envelopes the skeletal muscles. |
It surrounds various muscles, nerves, bones and organs. |
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It is continuous with endomysium, deep fascia and perimysium. |
It is classified into superficial fascia, deep fascia and visceral fascia. |
|
It protects muscles from friction between muscles and bones, and also between two muscles. |
It reduces friction, provides support and stabilises the organs and tissues. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is fascia different from tendons and ligaments?
Fascia, ligaments and tendons are collagenous structures composed of fibrous connective tissue. Ligaments are found between the bones, and the tendons are found between muscles and bones. Fascia is found beneath the skin and encloses various muscles, nerves, bones and organs.
What is deep fascia?
Deep fascia surrounds individual muscles and separates them into fascial compartments. This fibrous connective tissue interpenetrates all bones, nerves, blood vessels and muscles. In muscles, they become specialised as epimysium, endomysium and perimysium.
What is a fascial compartment?
It is a segment that includes the deep fascia and its associated nerves and muscles. Mostly, the muscles in this segment or compartment are supplied by the same nerve. Sometimes, the compartment also covers the bones. The compartment also has dividing septa made of connective tissue.
Further Reading
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