| Definition: |
Deep fascia (or 'investing fascia') is a layer of fascia which can surround individual muscles, and divide groups of muscles into compartments. This is the dense fibrous connective tissue that interpenetrates and surrounds the muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels of the body. It provides connection and communication in the form of aponeuroses, ligaments, tendons, retinacula, joint capsules, and septa. The deep fasciae envelop all bone; cartilage, and blood vessels and become specialized in muscles and nerves. The high density of collagen fibers is what gives the deep fascia its strength and integrity. The amount of elastin fiber determines how much extensibility and resilience it will have. |