Fascial Net Plastination Project

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Fascial Net Plastination Project (FNPP)
FREIA - World's First Human Plastinate.jpg
FR:EIA (Fascia Revealed: Educating Interconnected Anatomy) by Bodyworlds
Mission statement To plastinate and study the human fascial net
Type of projectAnatomical research project
ProductsPlastinated human fascia specimens
Location Berlin, Germany
Owner Body Worlds
Founder Robert Schleip, Fascia Research Group
Key people
Established2018 (2018)
StatusActive
Website bodyworlds.com/FREIA/

The Fascial Net Plastination Project is an anatomical research initiative established in 2018 aimed at plastinating and studying the human fascial network. The collaboration was initiated by Robert Schleip as a joint effort between Body Worlds, Fascia Research Group, and the Fascia Research Society. The project focuses on preserving the fascia, a complex connective tissue network that plays a crucial role in the human body's structure and function.

Contents

One outcome of this three-year project is the creation of the world's first 3-D representation of the fascial network of a whole human body, named FR:EIA (Fascia Revealed: Educating Interconnected Anatomy), which is on display at the Body Worlds museum in Berlin, Germany. [1]

Origination and objectives

The project was conceived to provide a comprehensive and tangible understanding of the fascial system through plastination. This technique, developed by Gunther von Hagens, involves replacing water and fat in biological tissues with polymers to create durable, lifelike specimens. [2] The specific goals of the project include:

  1. Enhancing Educational Outreach: By creating detailed and durable plastinated specimens of the fascial net, the project aims to elevate the anatomical education of medical professionals and the general public. [3]
  2. Advancing Research: Detailed anatomical studies of plastinated fascia specimens facilitate a deeper understanding of its structure and function. [4]
  3. Public Exhibitions: Specimens from the project are displayed in Body Worlds exhibitions worldwide, providing an unprecedented view of the human fascial system. [1]

Background

The rectus sheath (extensive vertical darker gray at left), an example of a fascia Gray395.png
The rectus sheath (extensive vertical darker gray at left), an example of a fascia

The fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, that supports and surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. It extends from head to toe without interruption. [5] Recent studies have highlighted the fascia's significance in movement, stability, and overall bodily function, debunking the previous notion of fascia being merely passive tissue. [6] [ irrelevant citation ]

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts, first developed by Gunther von Hagens in 1977. The process involves replacing water and fat in tissues with plastics, resulting in specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and retain most properties of the original sample.

The standard process of plastination consists of four steps: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation in a vacuum, and hardening. Fixation, often using a formaldehyde-based solution, serves to prevent decomposition and maintain the shape of the specimen. This can be particularly useful for time-consuming dissections intended to highlight specific anatomical features.

Following fixation, the specimen is submerged in a bath of acetone at temperatures ranging from −20 to −30 °C. The acetone, which is renewed multiple times over six weeks, replaces the water in the cells. In the third step, the specimen is placed in a bath of liquid polymer, such as silicone rubber, polyester, or epoxy resin. Under a partial vacuum, the acetone is vaporized and replaced by the liquid polymer, filling the cells with plastic.

The final step involves curing the plastic with gas, heat, or ultraviolet light to harden the specimen. The resulting plastinates, which can range from entire human bodies to small pieces of animal organs, can be further manipulated and positioned before the polymer chains are fully hardened.

Overview

In January 2018, the Fascia Research Society, Somatics Academy, the Plastinarium, and Body Worlds embarked on a collaborative journey to create the world's first 3D representation of the fascial network of a whole human body via plastination. Directed by fascia research scientist Robert Schleip, professor of anatomy Carla Stecco, with the assistance of clinical anatomist John Sharkey and support from several other experts, the project is taking place in Guben, Germany, at the renowned Plastinarium under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Chereminskiy. [3]

The project was supported by a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of Vladimir Chereminskiy, Gil Hedley, Thomas W. Myers, John Sharkey, Robert Schleip, Carla Stecco, Jaap Van der Wal, Gunther von Hagens, Angelina Whalley. [7] [8]

The first ten plastinated specimens from this project, demonstrating fascial architecture of different selected body regions from this project were exhibited for the first time at the Fifth International Fascia Research Congress in Berlin, Germany, on November 14 and 15, 2018, in an exhibition titled "Fascia in a NEW LIGHT: The Exhibition." [3]

Phase one

The first phase began in January 2018 with a team of scientists, academics, and anatomy enthusiasts. Several formalin-fixed specimens were dissected to illustrate fascial structures from superficial fascia/subcutaneous tissues, including the abdomen, arm, and lower limb. Additionally, several deep fascia structures were dissected, such as the fascia lata, a 5 cm cross-section of the thigh, a 5 cm cross-section of the leg, the fibrous pericardium with the respiratory diaphragm, and the lumbodorsal fascia. [3]

These specimens went through the first two stages of plastination; soaking in high and low temperature baths to replace water with acetone and dissolve fats, followed by another bath to replace acetone with plastic polymer. These stages typically take up to six months depending on the size of the specimen. [3]

Phase two

In June 2018, the team returned to Guben to position the specimens. Now infused with silicone rubber, the specimens were still supple and could be positioned back into their original shapes. The team created forms to support the soft specimens so they could undergo the final stage of gas curing to harden them into durable plastinates ready for exhibition. [3]

During this phase, additional dissections were undertaken, including a second attempt at the lumbodorsal fascia, a 10 cm cross-section of the abdomen, the deep fascia of the arm, and an anterior prosection of the pelvis. [3]

Phase three

The third phase aimed to create a full-body fascia plastinate for exhibition at the Sixth International Fascia Research Congress in Montreal, Canada, in 2021. This phase involved complex decisions on how best to dissect and display the fascial structures in a meaningful way. [3] This plastinate has now become a major highlight at the Body Worlds museum in Berlin. [9] [10] [11]

A collection of ten plastinated specimens from this project showing fascial architecture of selected human body regions was given as a long-term loan to the University of Padova in Italy in 2023, where the collection is currently displayed for the purpose of educating medical students at the entrance hall of the Department of Neuroscience. [12]

Techniques and methodologies

The project employs advanced plastination techniques to preserve the intricate details of the fascial network. This involves a meticulous process where water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced with curable polymers like silicone, epoxy, or polyester, resulting in odorless, durable, and anatomically precise specimens. [6] These plastinates are then used for educational and research purposes, showcasing the complexity and functionality of fascia. [13]

Scientific significance

The plastination of the fascial net has significant implications for both medical research and education. It allows for detailed examination of the fascia's role in musculoskeletal health, its contribution to proprioception, and its involvement in various medical conditions. [4] The project has provided critical insights into how fascia affects movement, stability, and overall physical health, thus influencing treatment approaches in physiotherapy, sports medicine, and surgery. [5]

Controversies and ethical considerations

Plastination, while groundbreaking, has not been without controversy. Ethical concerns have been raised regarding the sourcing of bodies for plastination and the display of human remains in public exhibitions. The Fascial Net Plastination Project however, adheres to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that all specimens are sourced from legally and ethically approved donations, with explicit consent from donors or their families. [3]

Presentation and reception

The project was prominently featured at the 2021 Fascia Research Congress. [13] This presentation included detailed discussions on the techniques used, the scientific findings from the plastinated specimens, and their applications in medical education and research. The project received considerable attention from the scientific community for its innovative approach to studying fascia and its potential to revolutionize anatomical science. [4]

FR:EIA was officially unveiled on November 24, 2021, over a webinar with 1000+ participants as they unvealed its permanent display at the Body Worlds museum in Berlin, Germany. [1]

Impact and future directions

The Fascial Net Plastination Project has already made significant contributions to the field of fascia research. By providing a durable and detailed representation of the fascial network, it has enhanced the understanding of this critical component of human anatomy. Future directions for the project include expanding the range of specimens, refining plastination techniques, and fostering international collaborations to further explore the clinical implications of fascia. [5] [3]

Related Research Articles

<i>Body Worlds</i> Exhibition of plastinated bodies

Body Worlds is a traveling exposition of dissected human bodies, animals, and other anatomical structures of the body that have been preserved through the process of plastination. Gunther von Hagens developed the preservation process which "unite[s] subtle anatomy and modern polymer chemistry", in the late 1970s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connective tissue</span> Type of biological tissue in animals

Connective tissue is one of the four primary types of animal tissue, a group of cells that are similar in structure, along with epithelial tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue. It develops mostly from the mesenchyme, derived from the mesoderm, the middle embryonic germ layer. Connective tissue is found in between other tissues everywhere in the body, including the nervous system. The three meninges, membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord, are composed of connective tissue. Most types of connective tissue consists of three main components: elastic and collagen fibers, ground substance, and cells. Blood, and lymph are classed as specialized fluid connective tissues that do not contain fiber. All are immersed in the body water. The cells of connective tissue include fibroblasts, adipocytes, macrophages, mast cells and leukocytes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thigh</span> The part of the body between the pelvis and the knee; upper leg

In anatomy, the thigh is the area between the hip (pelvis) and the knee. Anatomically, it is part of the lower limb.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plastination</span> Technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts

Plastination is a technique or process used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts, first developed by Gunther von Hagens in 1977. The water and fat are replaced by certain plastics, yielding specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and even retain most properties of the original sample.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fascia</span> Layer of connective tissue in the body

A fascia is a generic term for macroscopic membranous bodily structures. Fasciae are classified as superficial, visceral or deep, and further designated according to their anatomical location.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omohyoid muscle</span> Human neck muscle

The omohyoid muscle is a muscle in the neck. It is one of the infrahyoid muscles. It consists of two bellies separated by an intermediate tendon. Its inferior belly is attached to the scapula; its superior belly is attached to the hyoid bone. Its intermediate tendon is anchored to the clavicle and first rib by a fascial sling. The omohyoid is innervated by the ansa cervicalis of the cervical plexus. It acts to depress the hyoid bone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endomysium</span> Connective tissue ensheathing individual muscle fibres

The endomysium, meaning within the muscle, is a wispy layer of areolar connective tissue that ensheaths each individual muscle fiber, or muscle cell. It also contains capillaries and nerves. It overlies the muscle fiber's cell membrane: the sarcolemma. Endomysium is the deepest and smallest component of muscle connective tissue. This thin layer helps provide an appropriate chemical environment for the exchange of calcium, sodium, and potassium, which is essential for the excitation and subsequent contraction of a muscle fiber.

Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is a treatment primarily used by physical therapists and occupational therapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. It mostly includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation. It is also used by Rolfers, massage therapists, athletic trainers, osteopaths, and physicians.

Deep fascia is a fascia, a layer of dense connective tissue that can surround individual muscles and groups of muscles to separate into fascial compartments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bodies: The Exhibition</span> Exhibition of preserved human bodies

Bodies: The Exhibition is an exhibition showcasing human bodies that have been preserved through a process called plastination and dissected to display bodily systems. It opened in Tampa, Florida on August 20, 2005. It is similar to, though not affiliated with, the exhibition Body Worlds. The exhibit displays internal organs and organic systems, bodies staged in active poses, and fetuses in various stages of development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cadaver</span> Dead human body

A cadaver, often known as a corpse, is a dead human body. Cadavers are used by medical students, physicians and other scientists to study anatomy, identify disease sites, determine causes of death, and provide tissue to repair a defect in a living human being. Students in medical school study and dissect cadavers as a part of their education. Others who study cadavers include archaeologists and arts students. In addition, a cadaver may be used in the development and evaluation of surgical instruments.

Anatomy for Beginners is a television show created by Gunther von Hagens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gunther von Hagens</span> German anatomist and inventor of plastination

Gunther von Hagens is a German anatomist, businessman and lecturer. He developed the technique for preserving biological tissue specimens called plastination. Von Hagens has organized numerous Body Worlds public exhibitions and occasional live demonstrations of his and his colleagues' work, and has traveled worldwide to promote its educational value. The sourcing of biological specimens for and the commercial background of his exhibits has been controversial.

Fascial spaces are potential spaces that exist between the fasciae and underlying organs and other tissues. In health, these spaces do not exist; they are only created by pathology, e.g. the spread of pus or cellulitis in an infection. The fascial spaces can also be opened during the dissection of a cadaver. The fascial spaces are different from the fasciae themselves, which are bands of connective tissue that surround structures, e.g. muscles. The opening of fascial spaces may be facilitated by pathogenic bacterial release of enzymes which cause tissue lysis. The spaces filled with loose areolar connective tissue may also be termed clefts. Other contents such as salivary glands, blood vessels, nerves and lymph nodes are dependent upon the location of the space. Those containing neurovascular tissue may also be termed compartments.

Fascia training describes sports activities and movement exercises that attempt to improve the functional properties of the muscular connective tissues in the human body, such as tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and muscular envelopes. Also called fascia, these tissues take part in a body-wide tensional force transmission network and are responsive to training stimulation. As of 2018 the body-wide continuity of this tensional system has been expressed in an educational manner within the Fascial Net Plastination Project. The FNPP brought together experts in anatomy, dissection, and plastination, and it was the first project of its kind to plastinate a complete human fascia specimen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rectococcygeal muscle</span> Smooth muscle of the spine and rectum

The rectococcygeal muscles are two bands of smooth muscle tissue arising from the 2nd and 3rd coccygeal vertebrae, and passing downward and forward to blend with the rectal longitudinal smooth muscle fibers on the posterior wall of the anal canal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal support structures</span> Structures that maintain the position of the vagina within the pelvic cavity

The vaginal support structures are those muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, membranes and fascia, of the pelvic floor that maintain the position of the vagina within the pelvic cavity and allow the normal functioning of the vagina and other reproductive structures in the female. Defects or injuries to these support structures in the pelvic floor leads to pelvic organ prolapse. Anatomical and congenital variations of vaginal support structures can predispose a woman to further dysfunction and prolapse later in life. The urethra is part of the anterior wall of the vagina and damage to the support structures there can lead to incontinence and urinary retention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FasciaBlaster</span> Self-massage device invented by Ashley Black

The FasciaBlaster is a device invented by entrepreneur Ashley Black primarily for use as a self-massage method to help reduce cellulite. There is no evidence it is effective, and claims made by Black about fascia have been characterized as pseudoscience. The FasciaBlaster is marketed as expected to cause bruising, and some users have reported various injuries in addition to bruising following use.

Fascial Manipulation is a manual therapy technique developed by Italian physiotherapist Luigi Stecco in the 1980s, aimed at evaluating and treating global fascial dysfunction by restoring normal motion/gliding to the system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Schleip</span> German [[Fascia]] Researcher

Robert Schleip is a German psychologist, human biologist and author, best known for his research in the field of fascia. His work includes numerous scientific papers and books, which have contributed to the understanding of fascia and its role in musculoskeletal health. He serves as the Director of the Fascia Research Group at both the University of Ulm and the Technical University of Munich. Schleip is also the founding director of the Fascia Research Society, the Research Director of the European Rolfing Association and Vice President of the Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "FR:EIA Project Overview". Body Worlds. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  2. ↑ "Exploring the Fascial Net Plastination Project". Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Plastination Project". Fascia Research Society. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  4. 1 2 3 Clauson, Rachelle (2020). Fascial Net Plastination Project. Taylor & Francis. pp. 31–45. doi:10.1201/9780429203350-3. ISBN   978-0-429-20335-0 . Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  5. 1 2 3 "Fascination with Fascia". Koerperwelten. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  6. 1 2 "Die Kunst des Geflechts". Pharmazeutische Zeitung. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  7. ↑ Nemetz, Lauri. "Anatomy Trains Faculty in Germany: Fascial Net Plastination Project Update." Anatomy Trains, 13 September 2019. Available online. Accessed 5 November 2024.
  8. ↑ "Notes from the Lab: Fascial Net Plastination Project." Massage & Bodywork Magazine, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Available online. Accessed 5 November 2024.
  9. ↑ Nemetz, Lauri. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists. Handspring Publishing, 2022. Available on Amazon. Accessed 5 November 2024.
  10. ↑ Lesondak, David. Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters. Handspring Publishing, 2017. Available on Amazon. Accessed 5 November 2024.
  11. ↑ "Notes from the Lab: Fascial Net Plastination Project." Massage & Bodywork Magazine, September/October 2022, p. 30. Available online. Accessed 5 November 2024.
  12. ↑ "Winter School." University of Padova - Department of Neuroscience. Available online. Accessed 5 November 2024.
  13. 1 2 "Fascial Net Plastination Project". Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
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