Fasciculus

Fasciculus is a term used in anatomy to describe a bundle of structures, such as nerve fibers in the central nervous system. These bundles are organized into different tracts, each with specific functions.

Overview

In the human body, a fasciculus is a bundle of nerve fibers or muscle fibers. The term is used in both the fields of neurology and muscular anatomy. In neurology, a fasciculus is a bundle of axons (the long, slender projections of neurons), and in muscular anatomy, it is a bundle of muscle fibers.

Neurological Fasciculus

In the central nervous system, fasciculi are often organized into tracts. These tracts are bundles of axons that share a common origin and destination. For example, the corticospinal tract is a collection of axons that run from the cortex of the brain to the spinal cord, controlling voluntary motor functions.

Muscular Fasciculus

In muscular anatomy, a fasciculus is a bundle of skeletal muscle fibers surrounded by perimysium, a type of connective tissue. These bundles of muscle fibers work together to contract and produce force. The arrangement of these fasciculi can vary, affecting the muscle's strength and range of motion.

See Also

• Nervous system
• Muscular system
• Corticospinal tract
• Perimysium

References

Fasciculus Resources
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