A three-dimensional geometric quantification of human cortical canals using an innovative method with micro-computed tomographic data

Improving the New Definition of Fascial System

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bone tissue is defined as connective tissue with an embryological derivation that reflects the origin of the fascial system. The surface of the bone tissue makes the bone system the largest organ in the human body, whose most representative cells are the osteocytes. It is essential for the general health of the individual, influencing different organs and systems, through the hormonal paracrine production of the osteocytes. In the modern scientific panorama, bone tissue has been included in the definition of fascial continuum only in one of our articles. The intent of this article is to enrich the motivations that led to the introduction of the bone in the fascia description, illustrating its local and systemic properties. The final theme of the current text will be to give a definition of the fascial system more congruent with modern scientific notions.

METHODS

The article collects the embryological and anatomical information on bone and exposes the most recent information in a narrative review.

RESULTS

The results of the literature show that bone is specialized connective tissue.

CONCLUSION

Bone tissue must be included in the definitions of what is considered fascial tissue, so as to have a better view of the fascial system.

Bone Tissue is an Integral Part of the Fascial System

Bone tissue is not considered an integral part of the fascial system as per the current definition of fascia. Bodily fasciae derive from the mesoderm, while the fasciae associated with the cranial-cervical area derive from the ectoderm. Bone tissue or specialized connective tissue follows the same development process, but with a greater admixture between the two embryological sheets. Bone tissue is the largest organ capable of producing autocrine and paracrine substances, influencing its own metabolism and that of other organs. This article reviews the functions of bone, the anatomy that determines its shape, and its relationships within an organism. The objective of the article is to provide a scientific rationale for incorporating bone tissue within the definition of fascia, using the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.

3D Bone Biomimetic Scaffolds for Basic and Translational Studies with Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized as an attractive tool owing to their self-renewal and differentiation capacity, and their ability to secrete bioactive molecules and to regulate the behavior of neighboring cells within different tissues. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that cells prefer three-dimensional (3D) to 2D culture conditions, at least because the former are closer to their natural environment. Thus, for in vitro studies and in vivo utilization, great effort is being dedicated to the optimization of MSC 3D culture systems in view of achieving the intended performance. This implies understanding cell–biomaterial interactions and manipulating the physicochemical characteristics of biomimetic scaffolds to elicit a specific cell behavior. In the bone field, biomimetic scaffolds can be used as 3D structures, where MSCs can be seeded, expanded, and then implanted in vivo for bone repair or bioactive molecules release. Actually, the union of MSCs and biomaterial has been greatly improving the field of tissue regeneration. Here, we will provide some examples of recent advances in basic as well as translational research about MSC-seeded scaffold systems. Overall, the proliferation of tools for a range of applications witnesses a fruitful collaboration among different branches of the scientific community.