Fascial hierarchies and the relevance of crossed-helical arrangements of collagen to changes in the shape of muscles

Abstract

Muscles are composite structures consisting of contractile myofibres surrounded by complex hierarchies of collagen-reinforced fascial sheaths. They are essentially flexible cylinders that change in shape, with the particular alignment of collagen fibres within their myofascial walls reflecting the most efficient distribution of mechanical stresses and coordinating these changes. However, while the functional significance of this crossed-helical fibre arrangement is well established in other species and in different parts of the body, relatively little attention has been given to this within the fascia of humans; and the relevance of this geometric configuration to muscles and surrounding fascial tissues is described.

Keywords: Collagen; Crossed-helix; Crossed-ply; Epimysium; Fascia; Helix; Muscle; Myofascia; Pennation; Perimysium.