Which term refers to fascia, the fibrous bands of connective tissue?

• A. Fascia
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Retinaculum
• D. Tendon

Answer: (A)

Fascia are the fibrous bands of connective tissue that form sheets and envelopes around muscles, groups of muscles, and other structures. The term asked for is fascia itself—the name of these fibrous bands. Fascia is a specific type of connective tissue, but the question is about the exact term used for these bands. A broader category is connective tissue, which includes many other tissue types. A tendon is the cord that attaches a muscle to bone, not the sheet-like fascia. A retinaculum is a specialized band of fascia that holds tendons in place. So fascia is the best term to describe these fibrous bands.