The Fascial System

The word Fascia has long been used by gross anatomists to embrace a spectrum of undifferentiated mesenchymal tissues that wrap organs and tissues of the body, or form a packing material between them. The inherent implication of this traditional view is that fasciae are inconsequential residues that are less important than the tissues with which they are associated. The errors of this assumption are being exposed and undoubtedly fascia is becoming more and more of considerable importance to many professionals working in health-related disciplines. Encouragingly, there has been a strong resurgence of interest into both basic and applied research in fasciae in recent years, also thanks to new fascia related findings. Knowledge of the fascial system’s characteristics and functions is spreading from primary medical researchers to professionals in many health fields throughout the world. Nowadays is well known that the Fascia is a mechanically active tissue with a proprioceptive and nociceptive properties. The Fascial continuum complexity is the result of perfect synergy evolution among different tissues made up of solid and fluid portions, which interpenetrate and interact with each other, forming a polymorphic three-dimensional network. Normal movement of the body is allowed because of the presence of the fascial tissues and their inseparable interconnection, one of the fundamental characteristics of the fascia is the ability to adapt to mechanical stress, remodeling the cellular/tissue structure and mirroring the functional necessity of the environment where the tissue lays. So, Fascia can transmit tension and in view of its proprioceptive and nociceptive functions could be responsible for disorders and pain radiating to remote anatomical structures. Dysfunction of the fascial system that is perpetuated in everyday movements can also cause an emotional alteration of the person. So, the fascial unity could influence not only movement but also emotions. Because the importance of fascia in human movement (both motion and emotion), shock absorption, metabolic and physiological processes, proprioception, healing and repair, the fascia in a broadest sense may be the literal representation of our inner being. Theoretically, Fascia probably hold many of the keys for understanding muscle action and musculoskeletal pain, and maybe it is of pivotal importance in understanding the basis of the body functioning. Further intensive research is essential to understand the function of the Fascia. The proposed article is a reflection to better understand the anatomy and main characteristics of the human fascial system. Keywords: Fascia; Facial system; Myofascial chains