New Proposal to Define the Fascial System

Abstract

At the beginning of the third millennium, we still do not have a definition of ‘fascia' recognized as valid by every researcher. This article attempts to give a new definition of the fascial system, including the epidermis, by comparing the mechanical-metabolic characteristics of the connective tissue and the skin. In fact, according to the latest classification deriving from the Fascia Nomenclature Committee, the outer skin layer is not considered as part of the fascial continuum. This article highlights the reasons for taking the functional characteristics of the tissue into consideration, rather than its mere structure. A brief discussion will address the questions as to what is considered as fascial tissue and from which embryonic germ layer the epidermis is formed. The notion that all the layers intersect will be highlighted, demonstrating that quoting precise definitions of tissue stratification in the living organism probably does not correspond to what happens in vivo. What we propose as a definition is not to be regarded as a point of arrival but as another departure.

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

“…a sheath, a sheet, or any other dissectible aggregation of connective tissue that forms beneath the skin to attach, enclose, and separate muscles and other internal organs." 15 This aforementioned concept first took root in literature of the last century and has continued into the present, conditioning the way in which the fascia is conceived and how the same fascia is viewed as an architectural structure. 16 Despite an apparently clear, existing, definition of what fascial tissue is, in many texts the embryological origin of the fascia is not taken into consideration.…”

The Fascial Breath

“…All the diaphragm muscle is fascia. The connective tissue and contractile tissue derive from the same embryological leaflet, the mesoderm [3]. The diaphragm muscle is a stratification of multiple fascial networks: transversalis fascia, endothoracic fascia, thoracolumbar fascia, phrenic centre, epimysium, perimysium, endomysium, basement membrane, extracellular matrix, contractile tissue.…”

“…How to define the fascia? The discovery of new functions and features of the fascia makes the definitions like the same colour under a different light: changing [1][2][3][4][5]. In a recent work by our research group, Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE), we defined the fascia as: "The fascia is any tissue that contains features capable of responding to mechanical stimuli.…”

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

“…We find the same assumptions in some statements of international committees and federations. The Federative International Program on Anatomical Terminologies (FIPAT) (2011) defines the fascia: "a sheath, a sheet, or any other dissectible aggregations of connective tissue that forms beneath the skin to attach, enclose, and separates muscles and other internal organs" [2]. Another authoritative organization, the Fascia Nomenclature Committee (2014), defines the fascia: "The fascial system includes adipose tissue, adventitia, neurovascular sheaths, aponeuroses, deep and superficial fasciae, dermis, epineurium, joint capsules, ligaments, membranes, meninges, myofascial expansions, periosteum, retinacula, septa, tendons (including endotendon/peritendon/epitendon/paratendon), visceral fasciae, and all the intramuscular and intermuscular connective tissues, including endomysium, perimysium, epimysium" [3].…”