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CHAPTER IV. 

 ON THE FASCIA. 



FASCIA (fascia, a bandage) is the name assigned to laminae of 

 various extent and thickness, which are distributed through the dif- 

 ferent regions of the body, for the purpose of investing or protecting 

 the softer and more delicate organs. From a consideration of their 

 structure, these fasciae may be arranged into two groups : cellulo-nbrous 

 fasciae, and aponeurotic fasciae. 



The cettvlo-fibrous fascia is best illustrated in the common subcuta- 

 neous investment of the entire body, the superficial fascia. This 

 structure is situated immediately beneath the integument over every 

 part of the frame, and is the medium of connection between that layer 

 and the deeper parts. It is composed of cellulo-nbrous tissue contain- 

 ing in its areolae an abundance of adipose cells. The fat being a bad 

 conductor of caloric, serves to retain the warmth of the body ; while 

 it forms at the same time a yielding tissue, through which the minute 

 vessels and nerves pass to the papillary layer of the skin, without 

 incurring the risk of obstruction from injury or pressure upon the sur- 

 face. By dissection, the superficial fascia may be separated into two 

 layers^ between which are found the superficial or cutaneous vessels 

 and nerves ; as the superficial epigastric artery, the saphenous veins, 

 the radial and ulnar veins, the superficial lymphatic vessels, also the 

 cutaneous muscles, as the platysma myoides, orbicularis palpebrarum, 

 sphincter ani, &c. In other situations, the cellulo-fibrous fascia is 

 found condensed into a strong and inelastic membrane, as is exemplified 

 in the deep fascia of the neck, the thoracic, transversalis, and perineal 

 fasciae, and the sheaths of vessels. 



The aponeurotic fascia is the strongest kind of investing membrane ; 

 it is composed of tendinous fibres, running parallel with each other, 

 and connected by other fibres of the same kind passing in different 

 directions. When freshly exposed, it is brilliant and nacreous, and is 

 tough, inelastic, and unyielding. In the limbs it forms the deep fascia, 

 enclosing and forming distinct sheaths to all the muscles and tendons. 

 It is thick upon the outer and least protected side of the limb, and 

 thinner upon its inner side. It is firmly connected to the bones, and 

 to the prominent points of each region, as to the pelvis, knee, and 

 ankle, in the lower, and to the clavicle, scapula, elbow, and wrist, in 

 the upper extremity. It assists the muscles in their action, by keep- 

 ing up a tonic pressure on their surface ; aids materially in the circula- 



