Chapter 84 - Diagnosis and Management of Tendon and Ligament Disorders Flashcards
What is the primary component of the extracellular matrix in tendons by wet weight?
Water (about 65%).
What type of collagen constitutes the majority of tendon collagen?
Type I collagen (about 95%).
What is the primary role of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) in tendons?
To regulate collagen fibril size and organization.
What two SLRPs are dominant in tendon biology?
Decorin and fibromodulin.
Which structural layer divides tendon fibers into visible fascicles?
Endotenon (or interfascicular matrix).
Describe the “quarter stagger” pattern in collagen fibrils.
Tropocollagen molecules are displaced about one-quarter of their length from each other.
What is the major non-collagen protein in young tendons?
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP).
In which tendon zone is collagen type II more prevalent, and why?
Fibrocartilaginous zone, to support compressive load.
What effect does COMP have on collagen fibrils in vitro?
It accelerates collagen fibril formation.
What are tenocytes, and why are they essential in tendons?
Cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of the extracellular matrix.
Which type of tenocyte cells are most common in mature tendons?
Type I cells.
What cellular structures allow tenocytes to communicate?
Long cytoplasmic processes linked by gap junctions.
What roles do the endotenon and epitenon layers serve?
Endotenon carries blood vessels and nerves; epitenon surrounds the tendon.
What structure surrounds tendons that are not within a sheath and helps reduce friction?
Paratenon.
How does the paratenon contribute to tendon repair?
Supplies new blood vessels and cellular elements for repair.
Why do tendons inside tendon sheaths heal more slowly?
Lack of the paratenon in the synovial environment limits repair.
What structure allows smooth tendon movement over bony prominences?
Tendon sheath.
What are the scuta, and where are they located?
Fibrocartilaginous pads on bony prominences, such as the distal limb.
What is the function of the mesotenon within the tendon sheath?
Provides blood supply to the tendon.
Which collagen type is primarily found in the mid-substance (tensional) region of tendons?
Collagen type I.
What is the main difference between the cellular composition of tendons and ligaments?
Tendons have more type I tenocytes, while ligaments have varied proportions.
Why might fibrocartilaginous zones in tendons have more type III tenocytes?
They are exposed to compressive forces.
What characterizes type III tenocytes under light microscopy?
Round nuclei with visible nucleoli.
What type of collagen is more common in regions subjected to compressive forces?
Collagen type II.