<p>Reflections on the Development of Fascial Tissue: Starting from Embryology</p>

Abstract

A great many articles discuss the histological aspects of fascial tissue in detail, but at the same time, there are many contradictions within the literature. In addition, there is a paucity of scientific data that allow straightforward classification of what tissue the fascia truly is. More precise classification of fascial tissue is essential in improving clinical care and effectively framing patient needs. Embryology is an indispensable starting point for understanding the many functions of the fascial tissue. This scientific discipline allows us to observe the relationships and adaptability of fascia both at local and systemic levels. This article reflects on modern scientific knowledge concerning the classification of fascia from an embryological standpoint with the aim of improving our understanding of connective tissue.

Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 1

“…Going along a taxonomic scale to understand the concept of holobiont is like giving a name to a hologenome without understanding how all the hologenomes interact with each other, within the holobiont itself; that is, giving names to tissues without looking at the function as a whole, without studying the origin of the cells that make up the tissue, is like trying to pierce water with a finger [9,10]. To know a tissue and before naming it, it is necessary to know its origin, in order to correctly identify the anatomical area where it resides, its connections and functions; to understand a macroscopic tissue it is necessary to start from the microscopic components [11]. The ontogenesis of what will become the whole fascial tissue involves the mesoderm and the ectoderm, starting from the first weeks of the evolutionary process [11].…”

“…To know a tissue and before naming it, it is necessary to know its origin, in order to correctly identify the anatomical area where it resides, its connections and functions; to understand a macroscopic tissue it is necessary to start from the microscopic components [11]. The ontogenesis of what will become the whole fascial tissue involves the mesoderm and the ectoderm, starting from the first weeks of the evolutionary process [11]. The dual phylogeny of the fascial continuum concerns, in particular, the area of the skull and neck.…”

“…The dual phylogeny of the fascial continuum concerns, in particular, the area of the skull and neck. The portion of the cranial dural tissue, considered as fascia by the FORCE and the FNC, which covers the forebrain and caudal mesencephalon and which constitutes the falx cerebri and the falx cerebelli (and spinal cord), has an ectodermal derivation; the meninges that cover the hindbrain and midbrain, as well as some venous sinuses and the portion of the hypoglossal canal, arise from the mesodermal sheet [11].…”

Embryology of the Fascial System

“…The connective tissue that will originate the bones, muscles and fascia of movement of the anterior region of the neck and face develops from the mesenchymal cells of the cranial neural crest [24] (Figure 3). These cells are attracted to the anterior region through the development of pharyngeal arches.…”

A Review of the Theoretical Fascial Models: Biotensegrity, Fascintegrity, and Myofascial Chains

“…The previous definitions have considered the fascia as deriving from the mesoderm embryological tissue (such as muscle tissue). In reality, the fascial tissue of the skull and part of the neck have a double origin, such as the mesoderm and the ectoderm, merging into a continuum [6]. The latest definition of fascia is (2019): "The fascia is any tissue that contains features capable of responding to mechanical stimuli.…”