Soft-tissue

Soft tissue refers to the tissues that connect, support, or surround other structures and organs of the body. It includes muscles, tendons (bands of fiber that connect muscles to bones), fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and synovial membranes (thin sheets of tissue that line the joints and tendon sheaths). Soft tissue is not hard like bone.

Types of Soft Tissue

There are several types of soft tissue, including:

• Adipose tissue: This is more commonly known as fat. It not only provides a source of energy but also insulates the body and protects organs.

• Connective tissue: This type of tissue supports and binds other body tissue and parts. It includes tendons and ligaments.

• Muscle tissue: This tissue is responsible for movement. It includes the muscles that allow you to move and the muscles that control involuntary actions, such as the heart beating.

• Nervous tissue: This tissue is responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the body.

Diseases and Conditions

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the soft tissue. These include:

• Soft tissue sarcoma: This is a type of cancer that begins in the soft tissues. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

• Tendinitis: This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon.

• Bursitis: This is inflammation or irritation of the bursa, a small sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin.

Treatment

Treatment for soft tissue conditions depends on the specific condition and its severity. It may include physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

See Also

• Soft tissue injury
• Soft tissue therapy
• Soft tissue tumor

Soft-tissue Resources
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