The connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fascicles is known as perimysium. This type of connective tissue forms a sheath around a bundle of muscle fibers, providing structure and support while allowing the fascicles to be grouped together for coordinated action. Each fascicle contains numerous muscle fibers (myofibers), which are the actual cells that contract and enable movement.
On the other hand, the connective tissue that surrounds entire muscles is called epimysium. This outer layer encapsulates the entire muscle, providing protection and support to the muscle as a whole. It plays a key role in connecting the muscle to tendons, which then attach to bones, facilitating movement throughout the body.
In summary, both the perimysium and epimysium are essential components of muscle anatomy, helping to organize muscle fibers into functional units and allowing for efficient force transmission during muscle contraction.