Fascinating Insights into Visceral Fascia

Fascia surrounds, connects and protects the organs within the thoracic and abdominal cavities. A healthy organ depends on healthy fascia.

Making up an organ

Organs, like muscle tissue, have multiple supporting layers. The outermost layer is the serosa. The serosa is supported by the subserosal fascial layer, which varies in structure according to the organ. Each organ also has a basic skeleton of connective tissue known as the parenchyma.

Serosa and Subserosa

The serosa is continuous with the mesentery. Within the abdominal cavity, the serosal layer is known as the mesentery, while in the thoracic cavity, we refer to the serosa.

Subserosal fascia occurs in one of two types – investing or insertional. This subserosal fascia can be soft, irregular areolar tissue, or tight and collagenous tissue. Organs such as the heart and lungs must be able to expand and contract within their cavities. Healthy subserosal fascia allows a slide and glide movement of these and other organs, in response to both their own motility and the demands of locomotion.

Investing fascia

Investing fascia is thin, elastic and well-innervated. It attaches directly into an organ, supporting the parenchyma. It helps to shape organs such as the liver, lungs and gastro-intestinal tract. 

Insertional fascia

Insertional fascia is thick, less elastic and less innervated, containing large myelinated nerves. Insertional fascia creates a pocket or a compartment for an organ to sit in, including the heart and the kidneys. Insertional fascia seems to be connected to the musculoskeletal system.

Keep learning about fascia

If you want to keep expanding your knowledge and understanding of the fascia, join us live at the Vet Rehab Summit 2023 on the 10^th and 11^th of November, which is all about myofascial chains.

Vibeke S. Elbrønd and Rikke M. Schultz, authors of Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines for Professionals, will join us live for 11 hours of fascinating lectures.

There are 11 myofascial kinetic lines, including:

• Superficial Dorsal Line (SDL)
• Superficial Ventral Line (SVL)
• Deep Dorsal Line (DDL)
• Deep Ventral Line (DVL)
• Lateral Line (LL)
• Spiral Line (SL)
• Functional Line (FL)
• Front Limb Protraction Line (FLPL)
• Front Limb Retraction Line (FLRL)
• Front Limb Adduction Line (FADL)
• Front Limb Abduction Line (FABL)

These 11 myofascial kinetic lines occur in both the dog and the horse. Understanding their anatomy, function, testing and treatment will allow us to more holistically evaluate and treat each one of our patients.

At this year’s Vet Rehab Summit 2023, you can expect a deep dive into the myofascial kinetic lines in your patients: 

10 November 

• Understanding the fascia from a 3D perspective, Vibeke S. Elbrønd
• The anatomy and function of the fascial lines, Rikke M. Schultz
• Functional testing of the fascial lines (SDL, SVL, LL, DDL, DVL), Vibeke S. Elbrønd
• Local treatment of the fascial lines (SDL, SVL, LL, DDL, DVL),Vibeke S. Elbrønd

11 November 

• Functional testing of the fascial lines (frontlimb lines, SL, FL), Rikke M Schultz
• Local treatment of the fascial lines (frontlimb lines, SL, FL), Rikke M Schultz
• Understanding your canine patient from a fascial perspective, Vibeke S. Elbrønd
• Understanding your equine patient from a fascial perspective, Rikke M. Schultz

Purchase your ticket to attend the Vet Rehab Summit 2023 now.