Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2024

Abstract

The fascial system is the focus of multiple scientific disciplines, and its nomenclature is debated. What tissue should fall under the definition of fascia? Considering university anatomy books where what is considered connective tissue is described as a fact, and through the science of embryology, which allows us to identify the origin of different body tissues, the article reviews and updates the fascial nomenclature. The text is not a point of arrival but rather a basis from which to start again, with the aim of understanding the function of the fascial continuum in the living. The history of fascial nomenclature in historical and modern contexts is reviewed, including the scientific perspective of the Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE) organization. The latter has no profit-making purposes and does not hold any copyright.

Keywords: chiropractic; connective tissue; fascia; fascial; myofascial; osteopathic; osteopathy.

Figure 1. Shape and arrangement of the muscles in the human body

The image illustrates the concept of fascial continuity seen only as the connective tissue that covers and interpenetrates the muscles on (a) ventral, (b) dorsal, and (c) lateral surfaces of the human body. This image is reproduced with the permission of Edi-Ermes Publishers, Milano [19].

Figure 2. A depiction of fascial tissue

The figure summarizes the tissues that the FORCE organization considers as fascial tissue, respecting the dictates of the science of embryology. The image is created by the author Bruno Bordoni.