Fascia: according to Tom Myers
Components of Fascia
Fascia is a complex, multifaceted connective tissue found throughout the body. Although it is often associated with collagen, fascia is composed of various elements that interact with cells constantly. In this discussion, we will explore the different components of fascia, based on recent research.
The cells work in the context of the connective tissue
Myofibrobasts
Liquid fascia, gel fascia, and fibrous fascia
Fascia can be divided into three main elements: liquid fascia, gel fascia, and fibrous fascia. Liquid fascia includes blood and lymph, which serve as structural elements in the fascial system. These fluids contribute to the body’s pressure system and help maintain the integrity of the body’s structure.
Gel fascia, or semi-liquid fascia, is a category that falls between liquid and solid fascia. It consists of viscous gels found in the body, such as mucus, which can have varying levels of water content. This category includes substances like hyaluronan, which can create chains of varying lengths within connective tissue. These chains can influence the viscosity and elasticity of the tissue, affecting its ability to resist the spread of bacteria and facilitate nutrient transport.
We grow from a seed – The fertilized egg(ovum), or zygote
These elements of the fascia interact with the cells constantly
Elemants of the fascia interact with the cell
The cells interact with one another
The cells have learned to velcro into this gel like context
A red blood cell in the extracellular matrix
What we want to look at are the elements in the context outside the cells
Reflections on the development of fascial tissue
Living fascia gels
Living fascia gels
Living fascia gels
The solider fibers
Fibrous fascia
Fibrous fascia includes non-soluble fibers like collagen, elastin, and reticulin. These fibers are hydrophobic, meaning they do not absorb water. Collagen is the most abundant of these fibers and comes in various types, with type I being the most common. These fibers form in response to the individual forces exerted on the body, contributing to the unique fascial structure of each person.
The pink hydrophobic collagen fibers. They can be wet but they are hydrophobic
Collagen – hydrophobic fibers – they can get wet but they won’t absorb water
Elastin – hydrophobic fibers – they can get wet but they won’t absorb water
Reticulin – is immature collagen – It is used in lubricating areas, and used in the embryo. These fibers can also gett wet but they won’t absorb water.
Turgor – Hydrated and filled with water
In the context of fascia and extracellular matrix, turgor refers to the state of being hydrated and filled with fluid. The extracellular matrix is a network of molecules and fibers that provide structural support to cells and tissues, and it contains water and other substances that give it a gel-like consistency. When the matrix is well hydrated and has optimal turgor, it can provide better support and communication between cells, as well as improved elasticity and resilience to mechanical stress. In contrast, a lack of turgor due to dehydration or other factors can lead to stiffness, adhesions, and reduced mobility in the fascial tissues.
Reticular, Elastin, and Collagen fibers
The long green strands are hyaluronan, previously called hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronan, is found in the synovial fluid in your joints
Synovial fluid in your joints is mostly hyaluronan
Fibers and mucous together on the surface of the brain
The elements of fascia
It is important to recognize that these elements of fascia are not separate but rather work together to create the fascial system. Fascia plays a crucial role in the body’s structure and function, making it an important area of study for healthcare professionals, such as bodyworkers, trainers, and yoga therapists. Understanding the individuality of fascial structures can help these professionals develop personalized strategies for their clients.
The properties of the gel and fiber together. It is viscous, it is elastic and it is plastic
The fascial layers viewed as they should be to show how they work together
Fascial Net Plastination Project – Fascia Lata of leg with femur in the middle
Fibrous fibers
The Tropocollagen triple helix that makes up the muscle
Image of sternal fascia with lines of strain clearly visible from upper right to lower left. This strain pattern is particular to this idividual
ATSI Session 1 – Strategy “Up the front down the back”
These collagen fibers form in response to the individual forces going through the body
The body responds to the demands being made of it
The Hidden Secret of Bone
A fascinating aspect of bone structure is the platelet construction of bone. While bone and cartilage are not usually included in the definition of fascia, it is important to note that they are made from the same processes and originate from the same germ layer as softer connective tissues. In bones, there are fibrous elements, gluey elements, and watery elements, with water making up about 2% of the bone composition.
The platelet construction of bone
The collagen matrix of bones
The collagen matrix inside bones is similar to that of fascia, featuring collagen fibers woven tightly together like leather. Bones also contain calcium salts alongside the collagen fibers, making them more flexible than commonly perceived. The osteoblasts, which are responsible for producing bone tissue, transform the gluey matrix into a solid matrix by creating calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and other mineral salts.
Osteoblasts
The bone and the cartilage are made from the same processes
Young bones versus old bones
In young bones, fractures may occur differently than in older bones due to their increased resilience. As individuals age, bones become more brittle and prone to fractures. A recent discovery reveals that compact bone is composed of small platelets separated by a minuscule amount of water and sodium citrate. This arrangement makes the bones more resilient and resistant to fractures.
Denatured bone of the pelvis
Bones and Hydration
As people age, especially postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis, the water content in bones decreases, causing the platelets to fuse together. This results in bones becoming more prone to fractures. The amount of calcium lost in osteoporosis varies, but it is primarily the loss of water that determines the severity of fractures.
Bone
The maturation process of the bone
Inside the bones
A green stick fracture and a dry stick fracture (youthful bones and old bones)
In between is compact bone – with water equals youthful bone
In between is compact bone – without water equals old bone
Trebeculated bone
In summary
Bone structure features a combination of solid and liquid elements, with collagen fibers and platelets of bone interspersed with layers of glycosaminoglycans and water. This arrangement is seen throughout the body, from the densest tendon to the thickest bone, highlighting the importance of water flow in maintaining the integrity of various tissues.
Start your journey to structural well being with a comprehensive 90 minute Adaptive Bodywork Session or make it a project with a 3, 6 or 12-series.
Together we’ll explore what’s holding you back.
Together, we’ll set you on a path to a more balanced and integrated life.
Removing Pain from the Human body by Adaptively Reconfiguring the Connective Tissue Support System…
View Fascia – A Deeper Dive – Part 2 of 8 Here:
https://adaptivebodywork.com/fascia-a-deeper-dive-part-2-of-8/
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Start your journey to structural well being with a comprehensive 90 minute Adaptive Bodywork Session or make it a project with a 3, 6 or 12-series.
Together we’ll explore what’s holding you back.
Together, we’ll set you on a path to a more balanced and integrated life.
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