Fascia

Fascia is connective tissue that forms identifiable sheets or sheaths around and between muscles and other internal structures. In this anatomical sense, it helps attach, enclose, and separate body parts. The term refers to supporting tissue, rather than the muscle fibers or organ cells that it surrounds .¹

The broader term fascial system describes an interconnected network of soft, collagen-containing connective tissues. This includes recognizable fasciae as well as structures such as tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and connective tissue within muscles. This broader usage emphasizes relationships across tissues rather than the boundaries of one dissectible sheet .¹

These tissues contribute to functions such as transmitting forces and providing sensory information. However, descriptions of fascia vary between anatomical and functional discussions. A reference to one named fascia may concern a specific structure, while a reference to the fascial system may include several tissue types. Keeping that distinction clear helps avoid assuming that a finding about one fascial structure applies to the entire network .¹