What is Fascia?
Fascia is the tough connective tissue that creates a 3-dimensional web which extends
without interruption from a horses head to their hoof. Fascia surrounds and infuses
every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ, all the way down to the cellular
level. The fascial system can affect every system and function in the body- muscular,
cellular, neurological, metabolic, etc. The white, glistening fibers you see when
you pull a piece of meat apart or when you pull chicken skin away is fascia.
What is Fascia made of?
Fascia is composed of an Elasto-colegenous complex which has three parts:
1. Elastin- The elastic and stretchable part of the complex. It makes up the core
of the complex.
2. Collagen- These fibers are extremely tough and give support to the structure.
They coil around the elastic fibers in a relaxed, wavy configuration.
3. Ground substance/ Matrix- A gelatinous like component that transports metabolic
material through the body.
What is Fascia’s role?
The fascial system generally supports, stabilizes, and cushions. Fascia creates separation
between vessels, organs, bones and muscles. Fascia creates space through which delicate
nerves, blood vessels, and fluids.
