Biomechanics Flashcards
Name 4 applications of tissue mechanics
- Predict threshold and mechanisms of injury and effects of disease
- Develop realistic surgical simulations
- Develop FE models
- Investigate mechanisms of structural disorders
What is elastin?
A highly elastic protein in connective tissue that allows tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.
What is a structural property of elastin?
It is made of long flexible molecules crosslinked together to form a 3D network
What is a mechanical property of elastin?
Young’s Modulus = 0.4MPa
What is collagen?
The main structural protein found in the extracellular space in various connective tissues (like tendons, ligaments etc)
What is a structural property of collagen?
Three stranded helix structure
What is a mechanical property of collagen?
Depending on the degree of mineralisation, collagen tissues may be rigid (bone), compliant (tendon) or both (cartilage)
What are the two types of bone?
Cortical and cancellous
What is a structural property of bone?
Made of two materials: HA and collagen fibres
HA gives rigidity and strength
Collagen gives its toughness and prevents brittle cracking
What is a mechanical property of bone?
Young’s modulus for cortical bone (weight bearing) = 20GPa
What is cartilage?
Tissue that lines surfaces of most joints
What is a structural property of cartilage?
Hydrated tissue made of cells and collagen fibres in a fluid matrix.
What is a cool mechanical property of cartilage?
It acts as a shock absorbing system: i.e. under high rates of loading it is stiff and protects the bone, but under low rates of loading it is not stiff and passes the load onto the bone
What do ligaments do?
Bind together joints, providing strength and stability.
What is a structural property of ligaments/tendons?
Bands of dense connective tissue bundles made of collagen fibres.
