Skeletal muscles are a part of the muscular system. They are attached to the bones by tendons. Each of these muscles is surrounded by the epimysium, which is a sheath of connective tissue. Surrounding the epimysium and separating muscles from each other and from the bone is another layer of connective tissue called fascia. The epimysium projects inwards and divides the muscle into different compartments. These compartments consist of a bundle of muscle fibers called a fasciculus. These bundles are surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the perimysium. An individual muscle cell is called a muscle fiber and is surrounded by connective tissue called the endomysium. The multiple layers of connective tissue are necessary because the muscle fibers are soft and fragile, just like other body cells. However, these fibers need to be able to withstand strong muscle contractions and connective tissue gives them the protection and support required for this process.