The accessory structures of the muscles are the fasciae and synovial membranes
Fasciae
- The fasciae are sheets of dense fibrous connective tissue situated between the muscles
- It acts as a package material between the muscles
- It provides pathways for passage of blood vessels and nerves
- Fascia situated immediately beneath the skin is termed as superficial fascia and fascia lying between the muscles is called as deep fascia. Superficial fascia is thinner and cannot be separated because it is intimately blended with the subcutaneous connective tissue whereas the deep fascia is thicker and tougher
Synovial Membranes
Synovial membranes are thin walled sacs. Two forms of these are recognized – synovial bursa and tendon sheath
Bursae
- Bursae are thin walled connective tissue sacs lined by synovial membrane and filled with synovial fluid
- Bursae are present where tendon rubs against bone, ligaments or other tendons or where the skin moves over a bony prominence
- They facilitate the movement by minimizing the friction
- Some bursae communicate with joint cavities
Tendon sheaths
- Theyare thin walled tube-like structures, which envelop the tendon over hard skeletal areas where they are under considerable tension
- It is also filled with synovial fluid
