Author page: Alexander Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

Tissues

The human body is composed of many tissues. Each organ in the body can be broken down into tissues. Tissues are sorted based on their basic functions. These include:

Epithelial Tissue
Connective Tissue 
Muscle Tissue
Nerves Tissue
Muscle Tissue

Out of these tissue types, the only tissue that contracts is muscle. Muscle tissue is further broken down into skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. These tissues are contracted when stimulated. 

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue has three types as well. Connective tissue proper, fluid connective tissue, and supporting connective tissue. However, all three of these connective tissue types are made up of the same components. They all include specialized cells, protein fibers, and ground substances. 

The differences between these tissues can be seen in what subdivides them. For example, the fluid connective tissue is subdivided into blood and lymph, whereas supporting connective tissue can be divided into cartilage and bone. Lastly, connective tissue proper is divided into loose connective tissue and dense connective tissue. 

The substance that connective tissue is composed of is a clear fluid. This fluid has a similar consistency to maple syrup but is clear and odorless. Its primary function is to fill the spaces between the cells and surround all fibers. 

Loose and Dense Connective Tissue 

The loose connective tissue binds many structures together. Loose connective tissue allows mobility. Dense connective tissue forms collagen that is strong and flexible. These fibers form branching frameworks for the rest of the body. With the fibers being parallel to each other and very tightly packed, there are forces applied to the issue. Dense connective tissue is responsible for forming tendons, ligaments, capsules of organs, and fascia. 

Fascia

Fascia varies as its function is primarily based on location. Fascia forms individual muscle fibers and the portions between muscles. These sheets can be thin or thick. Fascia is flexible and can stretch. Fascia lies under the skin, and deep fascia lies overs the muscles. Therefore, it is important that we move fascia frequently. Over time, if we are not stretching, the fascia will become tighter and tighter and eventually restrict movement. Fascia is in every cell, tissue, and organ. 

When fascia is functioning properly, it has a positive impact on the autonomic and central nervous systems. However, when it is impacted by poor posture, inflammation, or trauma, the fascia can become distorted and apply abnormal pressure to areas of the body. 

Phase Angle 

When focusing on the orthomolecular science of the body, we see how important tissue is. Fascia surrounds every cell, which can help determine cellular health. The phase angle is a snapshot at cellular health where we are able to see how healthy and strong an individual’s cells are. We want patients’ phase angles to be as close to a seven as possible. With a low phase angle (closer to 3 and 4), we see weakness in the cell. Below is a video that helps describes phase angle in more detail: 

[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE HEALTHY CELLS AND HEALTHY TISSUE. WITH THE USE OF THE INBODY 770, WE ARE ABLE TO ASSESS PATIENTS’ MUSCLE MASS, BODY FAT MASS, AND PHASE ANGLE. THE INBODY IS NOT JUST FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE WORRIED ABOUT MUSCLE MASS BUT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL WE SEE. IT PROVIDES IMPORTANT MARKERS EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE OF. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP, SENIOR HEALTH COACH

References: 

Grisanti, Ron, and Brad Hayes, DC  FDMT580G Myofascial Disruption Technique. Functional Medicine University, www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/598.cfm.  

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