But What Exactly is Fascia?<\/span><\/h3>\nConnective tissue is exactly what it sounds like: tissue that connects all of the various parts of the body. In doing so it helps form our internal structure and framework. The word fascia<\/em>\u00a0is Latin for band or bandage. It is, simply, a form of connective tissue that resembles a large band or sheet (predominantly in the form of collagen bundles known as fascicles<\/em>) that lies below the skin’s surface and separates, connects, and encapsulates all muscles and internal organs. For this very reason when attempting to describe fascia and its multi-layered aspects and complexities the analogy of an orange is often used.<\/span><\/p>\nFascia is often categorized by its location and function into three distinct layers: Superficial Fascia, Deep Fascia and Visceral (or Subserous) Fascia.<\/p>\n
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Superficial Layer<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\nUtilizing the image of an orange the Superficial Fascia would be analogous to the layer of fibers that comprise the underside of the outer peel or rind. This outside peel is quite similar to the entire sheet of skin that encapsulates the human body and holds all our viscera (our organs) inside. The Superficial Fascia is found directly under this layer of skin, giving rise to its other name the hypodermis<\/i>\u00a0(hypo<\/i>=below + dermis<\/i>=skin). Anatomists lovingly refer to the Superficial Fascia as the body\u2019s Saran Wrap, helping seal in and keep fresh all of our goods.<\/span><\/p>\nDeep Layer<\/span><\/h3>\nDeep Fascia, like connective tissue, is also exactly what it sounds like\u2014a layer of dense connective tissue that lies deep to or below the hypodermis. Deep Fascias role is, for lack of a better term\u2026 deep. It Saran Wraps and separates all of the body\u2019s individual muscles and bones. It forms protective sheaths or conduits for vessels and nerves. It marries muscle to bone via tendons, and bone to bone via ligaments. In terms of our orange metaphor, the Deep Fascia is analogous to the fibers that cover the various individual wedges (muscles) as well as those that connect those individual segments to one another (ligaments).<\/span><\/p>\nVisceral Fascia<\/span><\/h3>\n
Fascia is often categorized by its location and function into three distinct layers: Superficial Fascia, Deep Fascia and Visceral (or Subserous) Fascia.<\/p>\n
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