Fascia Flashcards
What is fascia?
A sheath that surrounds deep structures of the body
What are the functions of the fascia?
Envelops, separates or binds together anatomical structures
What type of tissue forms fascia?
Connective tissue
What are the 2 categories of fascia?
Deep and superficial
What type of connective tissue forms the superficial fascia?
Loose connective tissue, containing a 3D meshwork of collagen and elastic tissue
What type of connective tissue forms the deep fascia?
Dense, organised fascia, devoid of adipose tissue
What is an intermuscular septum?
A thickened sheet of deep fascia that compartmentalises muscle groups in the body
What are the advantages of intermuscular septa?
They wrap tightly around muscles and prevent the muscle belly over-expanding
They help to contain or direct the spread of infection
What is compartment syndrome?
An increase in pressure, within a fascial compartment, caused by swelling of tissue or an increase in fluid
What are the risks of compartment syndrome?
It can affect functions of the muscles or nerves in the compartment
What procedure can be carried out to relieve pressure in compartment syndrome?
A fasciotomy in which the deep fascia is cut in an emergency
What are the disadvantages of fascial compartments?
Infection can spread within compartments, which can be large areas. For example, the cervical fascial planes connect the base of the skull to the mediastinum (Where the heart is found)
What is Plantar fasciitis (Fasciopathy)?
A painful disorder of the plantar fascia that supports the arches of the foot. This can be caused by inflammation of the fascia, hence fasciitis, or degeneration, in fasciopathy. This causes pain upon walking
What is fascial fibrosis?
Fascial degeneration and scarring
What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
A process in which the palmar fascia becomes thickened and shortened, leading to a flexion deformity in which the fingers, usually the ring and little, are pulled towards the palm
