Abnormal adherence of collagen fibers to surrounding structures during immobilization, after trauma, or as a complication of surgery, which restricts normal elasticity and gliding.

• A. Autodigestion
• B. Bolus
• C. Adhesions
• D. Calculi

Answer: (C)

Adhesions are fibrous bands that form when collagen fibers in healing tissue abnormally bind adjacent structures that should move smoothly past one another. Immobilization, trauma, or surgery disrupt normal tissue glide, leading to scar tissue that cross-links and adheres to nearby tissues. This binds tissues together, reducing elasticity and preventing normal sliding during movement, which then restricts range of motion and gliding between structures such as tendons, muscles, and joint capsules. For example, scar tissue can tether a tendon to its surrounding sheath or to fascia, limiting how freely it can glide as the joint moves. In contrast, the other terms describe different processes or objects (enzymatic tissue breakdown, a bolus of material, or stones) and do not capture the issue of restricted tissue gliding due to fibrous adhesions.