Lumbar fascia Lumbar fascia The lumbar fascia is an anatomic structure of the lumbar region. It consists of a band or sheet of connective tissue fibres, primarily collagen, that attaches, stabilizes, encloses and separates muscles not limited to the lumbar region as the name suggests, but extending upwards over the thorax to the neck and downwards over the muscles covering the sacrum. The upper thoracic portion is thin while the lumbar and sacral regions are thicker and stronger. The lumbar fascia binds the deep muscles of the back to the spine and to the transverse processes of the vertebrae. Additionally the lumbar
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases regulate differentiation and regeneration of skeletal muscle. The ultimate goal of these studies is to provide a practical conceptual PDCTC framework. Laboratory of Oral Connective Tissue Biology—studies the molecular biology of dental-oral-craniofacial development, with a focus on teeth, gums and jaws. The aim of these studies is to understand cells and signals influencing tooth, bone, and periodontal ligament development. Laboratory of Skin Biology—studies the regulation of epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation, and inflammatory responses associated with barrier dysfunction. A major focus is basic investigation of ectodermal appendage development and the study of human ectodermal dysplasias. Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology—studies