Aponeurosis
Aponeurosis
Definition
An aponeurosis is a broad, flat sheet of dense fibrous connective tissue that serves as a tendon-like structure, anchoring a muscle to bone, fascia, or another muscle. It is composed mainly of parallel bundles of type I collagen fibres, providing high tensile strength while allowing the distribution of contractile force over a wide area rather than at a single point.
Functionally, aponeuroses:
Transmit and distribute muscular tension across broad surfaces.
Provide attachment for flat or broad muscles.
Contribute to stability and protection of underlying structures.
Examples
Palmar aponeurosis of the hand.
Abdominal aponeuroses forming the anterior abdominal wall.
Galea aponeurotica (epicranial aponeurosis) connecting frontalis and occipitalis muscles.
References
Wheatley BB, Dyer OL, Tully EE, Seeley MA. Aponeurosis structure-function properties: Evidence of heterogeneity and implications for muscle function. Acta Biomater. 2023 Sep 15;168:298-308.
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.
