This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages without signing in

Connective tissue

Authoring team

The connective tissue of the peripheral nervous system makes up to three quarters of the cross section of a peripheral nerve. It is composed of several discrete layers encapsulating neurones, glial cells and blood vessels:

  • endoneurium:
    • a loose, collagenous matrix containing fibroblasts and ground substance
    • surrounds individual axons within a fascicle
    • axon size within fascicular unit varies from 0.2 micrometres (unmyelinated) to 25 micrometres (myelinated)
  • perineurium:
    • surrounds a group of nerve fibres as a fascicle
    • acts as a bi-directional barrier to diffusion
    • composed of up to ten layers of mesothelial type cells that are interlinked by tight junctions
    • a strong, elastic layer
    • fascicular size can be up to 3 mm in larger nerves
  • epineurium:
    • the outer layer of a peripheral nerve that provides a supportive and protective barrier
    • divided into an:
      • external epineurium surrounding the whole nerve as an outer sheath
      • internal epineurium composed of looser connective tissue that contains a longitudinal plexus of blood vessels
    • usually the layer that is stitched during nerve repairs

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.