Connective Tissue is a metamembrane. It is
one continuous substance in its various shapes and
consistencies. Every part of the body is connected to
every other part by the network of connective tissue. If
you were to remove all of the other elements of the body except
the connective tissue there would remain a 3D shape. The shape
of the musculature would be preserved by connective tissue
sheaths of the muscle fibers and the intramuscular walls.
The form of the blood vessels and capillaries would remain.
The organs would retain their duct system and general
conformation and would continue to be supported by peritoneal
attachments. Even the central nervous system would retain
it's form. Connective tissue is essentially one solid
piece of tissue from heat to toe, from superficial fascia of the
skin to the marrow of the bones.
Connective Tissue constitutes the immediate
environment of every cell in the body by wrapping and uniting
all structures with it's moist fibrous, cohering sheets and
strands. (Deahne Juhan. Job's Body)
Types of Connective Tissue includes:
-
blood
-
lymph
-
tendons
-
ligaments
-
cartilage
-
cornea of the eye
-
nerve and blood vessel sheathes
-
myofascia surrounding each muscle
-
periosteum covering of the bones
-
areolar connective tissue lining joint
cavities
-
adipose tissue
-
bone
Unhealthy connective tissue may be caused by
things like malnutrition, trauma, injury, pathology, fatigue,
stress, sedentary lifestyle and the agind process.
It may lead to some of the following things:
-
decreased fluid volume by build up of toxins
and other metabolites
-
a continuous gel state of ground substance
-
adhesions
-
decreased flexibility and rigidity of
tissues which has a greater risk for microtears, scar tissue
and broadening and thickening of tissue
-
decreased ROM
-
tissues become colder and less energized
-
If fascia is restricted at time of trauma,
the forces cannot be dispersed properly and areas of the
body are subject to an intolerable impact
Healthy connective tissue is flexible and easily
softened. It is maintained by proper nutrition, proper
hydration, stretching, physical work, exercise and massage.
If you wish to change the relationships
among the bones, change the tensional balance through the
soft tissue and the bones will rearrange themselves.
-Tom Myers, Anatomy Trains
