Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

aponeuroses

Noun

/ˌæpəˈnʊəroʊsiz/

Definition

Aponeuroses are fibrous tissue structures that connect muscles to the parts they move. They are similar to tendons but are flatter and broader in structure, allowing them to serve as a sheath for muscle attachments.

Examples

The abdominal muscles are connected to the underlying structures by a tough layer of aponeuroses.
In surgery, the aponeuroses are often carefully separated to access the underlying muscles.
In some animals, the use of aponeuroses allows for more efficient movement due to their broad attachment area.

Meaning

In simpler terms, aponeuroses act like large, flat tendons that help anchor muscles to bones or other muscles, enabling movement and providing stability to the musculoskeletal system.