Histological description of the interaction between muscle fibers and connective tissue of the fascia of the human trapezius muscle Descripción histológica de la interacción entre las fibras musculares y tejido conectivo de la fascia del músculo trapecio

Abstract

The skeletal muscle fascia corresponds to a condensation of connective tissue. Fascias are highly innervated and sensitive, and can cover non-expandable structures as well as musculature. It is suggested that fascias have a pivotal role in functions such as postural regulation, peripheral motor coordination and proprioception. Also, the presence of inflammation and microcalcification in fascia of patients with localized muscle pain has been described, suggesting a pathogenic role in pain. The aim was to describe the histological structure of the external deep fascia of the trapezius muscle, with emphasis on the content and arrangement of muscle fibers, type I collagen, and adipose tissue. Sample material was obtained from a male cadaver (60-70 years old), by dissection of the posterior cervical region of the superficial fascia of the trapezius muscle and fixed in buffered formalin. Samples were processed by routine histological techniques and embedded in paraffin, obtaining 5 μ m-thick