The structural and functional organization of the connective tissue in the human foot with reference to the histomorphology of the elastic fibre system

Abstract

The structural organization of the connective tissue system has been studied in the human foot using routine light microscopic methods. It has been demonstrated that an intriguing and delicate anatomical arrangement is present in the tissue components as shown by the zonal distribution of collagen fibres, elastic fibres and adipose tissue. Collagen fibres are prevalent in the reticular dermis of the plantar skin, in the septum dividing the subcutis into superficial and deep strata and in the plantar aponeurosis. Elastic fibres occur largely in the papillary dermis of the plantar skin where they form a subepidermal elastic plexus, as well as in the septal framework of the subcutaneous tissue and in close association with the sweat ducts. It is proposed that elastic fibres modulate the distensibility of the subcutaneous tissue when subjected to compressive stresses and its return to normal resting tensile state, while collagen fibres provide rigid constraints that limit over distension of the subcutis as well as the dermis and thereby tether the skin to the plantar aponeurosis