Principally based on dissections of hundreds of un-embalmed human cadavers over the past decade
Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System presents a new vision of the human fascial system
using anatomical and histological photographs along with microscopic analysis and biomechanical
evaluation. Prof. Carla Stecco ¿ orthopaedic surgeon and professor of anatomy and sport
activities ¿ brings together the research of a multi-specialist team of researchers and
clinicians consisting of anatomists biomechanical engineers physiotherapists osteopaths and
plastic surgeons. In this Atlas Prof. Stecco presents for the first time a global view of
fasciae and the actual connections that describe the myofascial kinetic chains. These
descriptions help to explain how fascia plays a part in myofascial dysfunction and disease as
well as how it may alter muscle function and disturb proprioceptive input. Prof. Stecco also
highlights the continuity of the fascial planes explaining the function of the fasciae and
their connection between muscles nerves and blood vessels. This understanding will help guide
the practitioner in selecting the proper technique for a specific fascial problem with a view
to enhancing manual therapy methods. Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System opens with
the first chapter classifying connective tissue and explaining its composition in terms of
percentages of fibres cells and extracellular matrix. The second chapter goes on to describe
the general characteristics of the superficial fascia from a macroscopic and microscopic point
of view while the third analyzes the deep fascia in the same manner. The subsequent five
chapters describe the fasciae from a topographical perspective. In this part of the Atlas
common anatomical terminology is used throughout to refer to the various fasciae but it also
stresses the continuity of fasciae between the different bodily regions. Over 300 unique
photographs which show fascia on fresh (not embalmed) cadavers Demonstrates the composition
form and function of the fascial system Highlights the role of the deep fascia for
proprioception and peripheral motor coordination Companion website ¿ www.atlasfascial.com ¿
with videos showing how fascia connects with ligaments
