Abstract

On the level of cells, tissues and organs alike, the structure of the human body enables the maintenance of constant spatial arrangement. This is possible owing to collagen, the most prevalent protein of the system. It is the basic building block of connective tissue, including the musculo-fascio-ligamentous system. The maintenance of proper spatial structure of the body relies on the maintenance of a balanced tonus of collagen, and thereby, of connective tissue. This balance is generated mainly by the resting tonus of skeletal muscles, which also contain collagen. On this basis, anatomical analysis of structural dependence at the musculo-fascio-ligamentous level has been performed, in accordance with the principle of tensegrity, on four fundamental systems. Each of these systems comprises structurally linked muscles, fasciae and ligaments forming an extensive pathway for the transmission of tensions over a large area of the body. Vessels and nerves course through these structures at particular points. Disorders may ensue as a result of persistently elevated resting tone of muscles and fasciae. The most common conditions of the motor system which can be a consequence of disturbances in the distribution of tensions within those four pathways are also given in the paper. This attempt at analysis of the anatomical structure of the human body according to the tensegrity principle ensures a better understanding of abnormal functioning of the body. Other benefits can include increased effectiveness of massage therapy in some conditions and better insight into structural and functional connections between various elements of the kinetic system on the one hand and vessels or nerves on the other.

Key words:

massage, tensegrity, anatomy