Browsing by Subject "Tendons"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    The cellular matrix: a feature of tensile bearing dense soft connective tissues
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 2002) Lo, I.K.; Chi, S.; Ivie, T.; Frank, C.B.; Rattner, J.B.
    The term connective tissue encompasses a d iverse group of tissues that reside in dif f e r e n t e nvironments and must support a spectrum of mechanical functions. Although the extracellular matrix of these tissues is well described, the cellular architecture of these tissues and its relationship to tissue function has only recently become the focus of study. It n ow appears that tensile-bearing dense connective tissues may be a specific class of connective tissues that display a common cellular organization characterized by fusiform cells with cytoplasmic projections and ga p junctions. These cells with their cellular projections are organised into a complex 3-dimensional network leading to a phy s i c a l l y, chemically and electrically connected cellular matrix. The cellular matrix may play essential roles in extracellular matrix formation, maintenance and remodelling, mechanotransduction and during injury and healing. Thus, it is likely that it is the interaction of both the extracellular matrix and cellular matrix that provides the basis for tissue function. Restoration of both these matrices, as well as their interaction must be the goal of strategies to repair these connective tissues damaged by either injury or disease.
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    Tendons and ligaments - an overview
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 1997) Benjamin, M.; Ralphs, J.R.
    The structure, range of functions, blood supply, nerve supply, biochemical composition and development of tendons and ligaments are reviewed. The importance of their cells is often overlooked because of the obvious role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in determining the physical properties of tendons and ligaments. However, it is emphasised that tendon and ligament cells have elaborate cell processes that form a three dimensional network extending throughout the extracellular matrix. The cells comrnunicate with each other via gap junctions that could form the basis of an important load sensing system allowing the tendon to modify its ECM. Tendons and ligaments have three specialised regions along their length - the myotendinous junction, the region where tendons change direction by wrapping around bony pulleys and the enthesis (bony insertion site). The myotendinous junction is a comrnon site of muscle strains and pulls, the wrap-around region is frequently fibrocartilaginous and a cornmon site for degenerative change, and the enthesis may be fibrous or fibrocartilaginous according to location, and is a common site for degenerative changes or 'enthesopathies'. Enthesis fibrocartilage is just one of a series of protective devices reducing wear and tear at insertion sites. Consideration is also given to the structure and function of tendon sheaths and to the dramatic effects of exercise and deprivation on tendons and ligaments - exercise strengthens, but even relatively short periods of immobilisation can dramatically weaken tendons and ligaments.