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HistologyTypes of tissuesNervous tissueEndoneurium
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HistologyTypes of tissuesNervous tissueEndoneurium

Endoneurium

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Peripheral nerves [16:31]
Histological appearance of the peripheral nerves.
Endoneurium
1/3
Synonyms: Henle's sheath

The endoneurium also called intrafascicular connective tissue or Henle's sheath is a connective tissue sheath that directly surrounds individual Schwann cell–axon units (myelinated axon surrounded by Schwann cells) of peripheral nerves and accompanying endoneurial capillaries that supply the nerve axons.

The endoneurium is composed mainly of loosely arranged type III collagen (reticulin) fibers that lie parallel to the nerve fibres. Its cellular components are primarily Schwann cells and endothelial cells with scattered fibroblasts, macrophages and mast cells. Endoneurial fluid bathes both the fibrous and cellular components of the endoneurium.

In large peripheral nerves, endoneurium covered axons are grouped into separate bundles called fascicles which are wrapped by a layer of connective tissue called the perineurium. These fascicles are in turn surrounded by a superficial connective tissue called the epineurium.

The main function of the endoneurium is to electrically isolate individual nerve axons. It also plays an important role in maintaining endoneural fluid pressure.

Terminology English: Endoneurium, Henle's sheath
Latin: Endoneurium
Definition Delicate connective tissue layer surrounding the Schwann cells-axon units
Function Separates and electrically isolates individual axons
Maintains endoneural fluid pressure
Contents
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Learn more about the endoneurium and other features of peripheral nerves in the following study unit:

Peripheral nerves Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • McKinley, M. & Loughlin, V. (2012). Human anatomy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013). Junqueira's basic histology: Text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Medical.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Young, B., O'Dowd, G., & Woodford, P. (2014). Wheater's functional histology: A text and colour atlas. Churchill Livingston/Elsevier.

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