Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2024

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Embryology
• Connective Tissue Research

Background:

• The definition and scope of fascia are debated across scientific disciplines.
• Existing anatomical texts present connective tissue classifications as established facts.
• Understanding fascia requires integrating historical and modern scientific perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update the nomenclature of the fascial system.
• To clarify which tissues should be included under the definition of fascia.
• To provide a basis for future research into the function of the fascial continuum.

Main Methods:

• Review of university anatomy textbooks.
• Application of embryological principles to trace tissue origins.
• Historical and contemporary analysis of fascial nomenclature.
• Inclusion of perspectives from the Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE).

Main Results:

• Identification of inconsistencies in current fascial definitions.
• Clarification of fascial tissue classification based on embryological origins.
• A proposed updated nomenclature for the fascial system.

Conclusions:

• The current understanding of fascial nomenclature requires revision.
• Embryology provides a crucial framework for defining fascial tissues.
• This work serves as a foundational step towards a unified understanding of the fascial continuum.