THORACOLUMBAR FASCIA ⠀ [FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY] ⠀ Although the connective tissue network is continuous and difficult to separate, there is one structure that is directly or indirectly linked to many tissues in the body. ⠀ The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is the strong connective tissue bridge that covers the dorsal spine region. ⠀ The TLF is a 3D structural composite built out of aponeurotic and fascial planes that unite together to surround the paraspinal muscles and stabilize the lumbosacral spine while having fascial connections superiorly to the cranium and into all extremities. ⠀ To understand interconnected function of the body, one must understand the TLF structure! ⠀ The TLF is composed of 3 layers 1. Deep/Anterior layer: the anterior fascia of the QL and the posterior visceral wall 2. Middle layer: composed of the TVA, oblique and QL muscles which anchor to the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae 3. Posterior layer: which has two lamina, superficial, which is a continuation of the Latissimus dorsi and the deep, which is the compartment that houses the paraspinal muscles ⠀ The links from lower extremity superiorly ( biceps fem - sacrotuberous ligament - inferior TLF posterior layer - lumbar erectors/deep posterior layer - serratus post inferior - thoracic paraspinals - rhomboids - splenius cervicus - occiput ⠀ The other links are the ipsilateral Latissimus dorsi - contra Glute max sling which is continuous with the posterior superficial lamina. ⠀ The obliques and TVA blend and connect with the middle and posterior layers as seen on the left. This functionally links the vertical spinal muscles to the transverse abdominal muscles. ⠀ The TLF serves as a functional centerpiece for the trunk and is the common linking tissue between the lower extremity, trunk and upper extremity . ⠀ This allows us to move like a connected, functional system and explains why fascial dysfunction can affect areas far from the local problem .