repliegues

Repliegues, the plural of repliegue, is a term used in several disciplines to denote folds, creases, or folded structures produced by bending, buckling, or differential growth. The word comes from the Spanish verb repliegar, to fold back.

In geology, repliegues describe folds of rock layers formed by compressional forces during tectonic deformation. They are defined by features such as the fold axis, axial plane, and limbs, and include structures like anticlines, synclines, and recumbent folds. Their geometry and orientation help reveal the stress history and tectonic evolution of a region.

In biology and anatomy, repliegues refer to mucosal or surface folds that increase functional area. Examples include the plicae circulares in the small intestine and other mucosal folds within organs. These structures enhance absorption, secretion, and contact with neighboring surfaces. The term can also describe folding patterns that appear during tissue development.

In botany and materials science, repliegues can describe folded leaves, petals, or other plant structures, as well as intentional folds such as pleats in textiles and garments. The concept is used to explain how localized bending contributes to form and function in both natural and engineered systems.

Formation mechanisms vary by context: biological repliegues arise from differential growth and cellular organization, geological repliegues from long-term rock buckling under compression, and artificial repliegues from mechanical design and manufacturing. See also fold, pleat, plicae, and buckling.