Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Semi-automated Analysis of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Morphology and Fiber-type Composition
Published on: August 31, 2017
Abstract:
Rat soleus muscle has two types of connective tissue associated with it which do not overlap except at the myotendinous junction. One, an areolar type, is restricted mainly to the spaces between muscle fibers and the other, a regular dense type, is located only beyond the ends of muscle fibers in structures called microtendons. The definitive tendon of a muscle thus represents the accumulation of all the microtendons, one of which is contributed by each muscle fiber. The diameter distributions were the same for collagen fibrils from areolar tissue and microtendons but different from tendon collagen. Marked changes occur in the diameter distribution of the microtendon collagen as it passes into and blends with that of the tendon.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Layers of Connective Tissue Proper
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
Ankle Joint
Gross Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

