Which of the following is NOT one of the three layers of skeletal muscle?

The peritoneum is indeed not one of the three layers of skeletal muscle. The three layers that comprise skeletal muscle are the epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium.

The epimysium is the outermost layer that surrounds the entire muscle, providing a protective covering and helping in the bulk and durability of the muscle. The perimysium, the middle layer, surrounds bundles of muscle fibers, known as fascicles, and contains blood vessels and nerves that supply the muscle. The endomysium is the innermost layer that envelops each individual muscle fiber, allowing for the facilitation of signals between the fibers and their respective nerve and blood supply.

In contrast, the peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. It does not have any relationship to the structure or function of skeletal muscle, making it the correct choice for the question regarding the layers of skeletal muscle. Understanding these layers is essential for comprehending muscle anatomy and physiology, as well as their role in muscle contraction, force production, and injury prevention.