Knowra Fascia Fascia Fascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that surrounds, supports, and separates muscles, organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Its sheets and layers transmit force and allow structures to move relative to one another.
Connective tissue : Tissue that supports, connects, or separates other tissues, typically through cells embedded in an extracellular matrix. Fascia is a connective-tissue system whose matrix and cells give it strength and flexibility.
Mechanotransduction : The process by which cells convert mechanical signals into biochemical activity. Mechanical loading of fascia can influence the behavior of its resident cells.
Fasciotomy : A surgical incision through fascia to relieve pressure within a compartment. Cutting a constraining fascial layer can treat acute compartment syndrome.
Skeletal muscle : Voluntary, striated muscle tissue that produces movement by contracting. Muscle generates active force, while fascia surrounds and connects muscle structures.
Extracellular matrix : The network of proteins and other molecules surrounding cells in tissues. Collagen, elastin, and ground substance in this matrix shape fascial properties.
Myofibroblast : A contractile cell involved in wound repair and tissue remodeling. Myofibroblasts can generate tension within connective-tissue matrices, including fascia.
Compartment syndrome : A condition in which elevated pressure within a closed anatomical compartment threatens tissue perfusion. Inflexible fascial boundaries can make rising pressure dangerous to muscles and nerves.
Tendon : A dense connective-tissue structure that attaches muscle to bone. Tendons are specialized force-transmitting structures, unlike the broader fascial network.
Collagen : A family of structural proteins that provides tensile strength in connective tissues. Collagen fibers let many fascial layers resist stretching and transmit pulling forces.
Fascial compartments : Anatomical spaces bounded by fascia that contain muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Fascial partitions organize muscles into compartments and can constrain swelling.
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