The fibrous connective tissue that covers the skeletal muscles and holds them together is part of a network

called fascia. The fascia is a strong connective tissue which performs a number of functions, including enveloping and isolating the muscles of the body, providing structural support and protection. Fascia is thin, but very fibrous and strong. It forms directly under the skin and serves as a strong layer of connective tissue between the skin and muscles underneath it. The fascia appears in two major forms: superficial and deep. The superficial fascia is located deep to the dermis of the skin and is found especially in the scalps, palms and soles. It is composed of loose connective tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic vessels, many fat cells, and in the face, the muscles of facial expression. It provides a protective layer of insulation, and allows the skin to move freely over deeper structures. It is composed of adipose tissue and loose connective tissue and has a number of important functions: 1. It serves as a storehouse for water and particularly for fat. Much of the fat of an overweight person is in the superficial fascia. 2. It forms a layer of insulation protecting the body from loss of heat. 3. It provides mechanical protection from blows. 4. It provides a pathway for nerves and vessels. Underneath the superficial fascia is the deep fascia, made up of several layers of dense connective tissue. Extensions of the deep fascia extend between muscles and groups of muscles. This contains blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic vessels and small amounts of fats. It is found in fibrous structures such as tendon sheaths. The epimysium is the external sheath of connective tissue surrounding a muscle. Extending inward from it is a layer of connective tissue called the perimysium that encloses bundles of muscle fibers. These bundles of muscle fibers are called fascicles. Further extensions of the connective tissue, called endomysium, wrap around each muscle fiber. Besides serving as packing material around muscles, protecting and separating them, the connective tissue sheaths provide a point of attachment to bones and other muscles. Extending from the sheaths that cover muscles or muscle fibers are tendons and aponeuroses. A tendon is a strong cord of fibrous connective tissue that extends from the muscle to the periosteum of the bone, with many of its collagenous periosteal perforating fibers anchored into the bone. An aponeurosis is a broad, flat sheet of dense connective tissue that attaches to two or more muscles that work together or to the coverings of a bone.

Reference: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-fascia.htm Human Anatomy by Carola, Harley and Noback Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 6th edition by Tortora and Anagnostakos Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 7th edition by Marieb Grolier International Encyclopedia