Structure/Morphology
There are two types of fascicles within the nerve, primary and secondary fascicles. A group of nerve fibers bundled together is known as a primary fascicle. Primary fascicles are separated by the perineurial septa, a layer of intrafascicular connective tissue. Several primary fascicles cluster or bundle together to form a single secondary fascicle, which is ensheathed by the perineurium (Barral and Croibier, 2007).
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
The fasciculus plays a role in protecting the nerve fibers. It provides the necessary environment for the nerve to function correctly. The fasciculus also plays a role in organization of the nerve fibers within the nerve. For example, before branching, fascicles destined toward a common branch are arranged into fascicle groups.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Schwannomas
References
Barral, J. P. and Croibier, A. (2007) Manual Therapy for the Peripheral Nerves. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
