Histological study of the deep fasciae of the limbs

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 225 - 230
• Main Authors: Stecco, Carla, MD, Porzionato, Andrea, MD, Lancerotto, Luca, MD, Stecco, Antonio, MD, Macchi, Veronica, MD, Ann Day, Julie, PT, De Caro, Raffaele, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2008
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brachial fascia; Cadaver; Collagen; Connective Tissue - anatomy & histology; Crural fascia; Deep fascia; Extremities; Fascia lata; Fascia Lata - cytology; Fascia Lata - innervation; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal - cytology; Muscle, Skeletal - cytology; Nerve Fibers; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Proprioception; Brachial fascia; Deep fascia; Crural fascia; Proprioception; Fascia lata
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.04.041

Summary The aim of this study is to analyse the deep fasciae of limbs in order to evaluate the collagen and elastic fibre arrangement and the types of innervation. Histological and immunohistochemical stains were performed in 72 specimens. The deep fascia of the limbs is a sheath presenting a mean thickness of 1 mm, formed by two to three layers of parallel collagen fibre bundles. In the adjacent layers, they show different orientations. Each layer is separated from the adjacent one by loose connective tissue, permitting the sliding of the collagen layers. Nerve fibres were found in all specimens, while muscular fibres were evidenced only in one specimen. The described structure permits the fasciae of the limbs to have a strong resistance to traction, even when exercised in different directions. The capacity of the different collagen layers to glide one on the other could be altered in cases of overuse syndrome, trauma, or surgery.