Fascia

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Fascia
The rectus sheath (extensive vertical darker gray at left), an example of a fascia
Details
Precursormesenchyme
Identifiers
Latinfascia
MeSHD005205
TA98A04.0.00.031
TA22015
FMA78550
Anatomical terminology

A fascia (

visceral or deep, and further designated according to their anatomical location.[3]

Terminology

There exists some controversy about what structures are considered "fascia" and how they should be classified.[4][5]

The current version of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists divides into[4]:

  • Fascia craniocervicalis
  • Fascia trunci
    • Fascia parietalis
    • Fascia extraserosalis
    • Fascia visceralis
  • Fasciae membrorum
  • Fasciae musculorum
    • Fascia investiens
    • Fascia propria musculi

Two former, rather commonly used systems are:

NA 1983 TA 1997 Description Example
Superficial fascia (not considered fascia in this system) This is found in the
subcutis in most regions of the body, blending with the reticular layer of the dermis.[6]
Fascia of Scarpa
Deep fascia
Fascia of muscles
This is the dense fibrous connective tissue that interpenetrates and surrounds the muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels of the body.
Transverse fascia
Visceral fascia Visceral fascia, parietal fascia This suspends the organs within their cavities and wraps them in layers of connective tissue membranes. Pericardium

Superficial

Superficial fascia is the lowermost layer of the

blood vessels; and as a protective padding to cushion and insulate.[9]

Superficial fascia is present, but does not contain fat, in the eyelid, ear, scrotum, penis and clitoris.[10]

Due to its

prenatal weight gain. After pregnancy
and weight loss, the superficial fascia slowly reverts to its original level of tension.

Visceral

Visceral fascia (also called subserous fascia) suspends the organs within their cavities and wraps them in layers of connective tissue membranes. Each of the organs is covered in a double layer of fascia; these layers are separated by a thin serous membrane.

  • The outermost wall of the organ is known as the parietal layer
  • The skin of the organ is known as the
    pleurae; and in the abdomen, they are known as peritonea.[11]

Visceral fascia is less extensible than superficial fascia. Due to its suspensory role for the organs, it needs to maintain its tone rather consistently. If it is too lax, it contributes to organ prolapse, yet if it is hypertonic, it restricts proper organ motility.[12]

Deep

Deep fascia is a layer of dense fibrous connective tissue which surrounds individual muscles and divides groups of muscles into fascial compartments. This fascia has a high density of

.

Function

Fasciae were traditionally thought of as passive structures that transmit mechanical tension generated by muscular activities or external forces throughout the body. An important function of muscle fasciae is to reduce friction of muscular force. In doing so, fasciae provide a supportive and movable wrapping for nerves and blood vessels as they pass through and between muscles.[16] Fascial tissues are frequently innervated by sensory nerve endings. These include

interoceptive function of fascia has been postulated.[17]
Fascial tissues – particularly those with tendinous or aponeurotic properties – are also able to store and release elastic potential energy.

Clinical significance

Fascia becomes important clinically when it loses stiffness, becomes too stiff, or has decreased shearing ability.[18] When inflammatory fasciitis or trauma causes fibrosis and adhesions, fascial tissue fails to differentiate the adjacent structures effectively. This can happen after surgery, where the fascia has been incised and healing includes a scar that traverses the surrounding structures.

Anatomical compartments

A

fascial compartments of the forearm contain an anterior and a posterior compartment. The lower limbs can be divided into two segments – the leg and the thigh – and these contain the fascial compartments of the leg and the fascial compartments of the thigh
.

A fasciotomy may be used to relieve compartment syndrome as a result of high pressure within a fascial compartment.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Definition of FASCIA". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  2. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link
    )
  3. , retrieved 2023-05-16
  4. ^ a b "Terminologica anatomia humana. A04.0.00.031: fascia". ifaa.unifr.ch. International Federation of Associations of Anatomists. 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  5. .It is acknowledged that the various definitions of fascia offered by recognised authorities do not enjoy universal agreement and all have varying deficiencies. These definitions currently fall short of an agreed, descriptive, fully embracing definition that would suit all interested medical agencies/researchers and allied disciplines (16).
  6. .
  7. .
  8. .
  9. ^ Hedley, Gil (2005). The Integral Anatomy Series Vol. 1: Skin and Superficial fascia.
  10. ^ Norman Eizenberg, General Anatomy:Principles and Applications (2008), p 70.
  11. ^ Hedley, Gil (2005). The Integral Anatomy Series Vol. 3: Cranial and Visceral Fasciae (DVD). Integral Anatomy Productions. Retrieved 2006-07-17.
  12. .
  13. ^ Hedley, Gil (2005). The Integral Anatomy Series Vol. 2: Deep Fascia and Muscle (DVD). Integral Anatomy Productions. Retrieved 2006-07-17.
  14. .
  15. .
  16. ^ Faller, A.; Schuenke, M. (2004). The Human Body. Thieme Medical Publishers. p. 127.
  17. ^ Schleip R "Fascia as an organ of communication". In: Schleip R, et al. "Fascia - the tensional network of the human body", Elsevier Ltd, Edinburgh 2012, pages 77-112.
  18. S2CID 4217127
    .

External links

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