Fascia Throughout the Body

The connective tissue (fascia) in your body encases and surrounds your organs, muscle fibers and bundles, and is a layer under your skin. This is similar to the way the pulp, segments and pith give shape to an orange.

The functions of fascia include giving shape to the body and its parts, contributing to movement, transferring and storing energy, and engaging in communication. Fascia contains nerves and receptors that relay information about muscle activity, pressure and pain, and processes such as digestion.

For centuries, fascia was largely ignored in favor of studying muscles and nerves. Modern science has revealed new data about its importance. Researchers continue to learn more about its structure and function.