Definition: a fibrous membrane of variable thickness, devoid of fat, which invests the muscles, separating the several groups and the individual muscles, forms sheaths for the nerves and vessels, becomes specialized around the joints to form or strengthen ligaments, envelops various organs and glands, and binds all the structures together into a firm compact mass. Terminologia Anatomica [TA] has recommended that the terms “superficial fascia” and “deep fascia” not be used generically or in an unqualified way because of variation in their meanings internationally. The recommended terms are “subcutaneous tissue [TA] (tela subcutanea)” for the former superficial fascia, and “muscular fascia”, “parietal fascia”, or “visceral fascia” (fascia musculorum, fascia parietal[is], or fascia visceral[is]) in place of deep fascia.
Synonym(s): fascia profunda
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