Tendon

Question 1

what is the structure of tendon

Answer 1

dense fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone

Question 2

what is the primary function of tendons

Answer 2

force transmission

Question 3

what are the 3 regions of a tendon

Answer 3

external (free) region
aponeurosis (internal tendon)
bone tendon junction (osteotendinous junction)

Question 4

what are the properties of the free region of tendon

Answer 4

only tendon structures in this area
- where most ruptures occur

Question 5

what are the properties of the aponeurosis

Answer 5

attachment area for muscle fibres (myotendinous)
tendon folds around the muscle to increase SA
- increased SA = decreased stress

changes stress from tensile to shear
- tendon is better at resisting shear stress but doesn’t want to be under as much tensile load

Question 6

what are properties of the osteotendinous junction

Answer 6

where tendon inserts into bone (enthesis)
end of free region of tendon

from tendon –> fibrocartilage –> calcified fibrocartilage –> bone

Question 7

what is the composition of tendon

Answer 7

80% ECM
20% cellular material

Question 8

what is the function of water in tendon

Answer 8

viscous behaviour
lubrication and nutrient transportation

Question 9

what is the function of collagen (type I and II) in tendon

Answer 9

responsible for tensile strength
type I (97%) = force transduction
type II (3%) = high tensile resistance

Question 10

what is the main function of tenocytes in the tendon

Answer 10

mechanoreceptors to mechanical loading

Question 11

what are the properties and function of the achilles tendon

Answer 11

two strong muscles into one tendon insertion

• apply force and efficient mvmt

Question 12

what are the properties and function of the tibialis posterior tendon

Answer 12

one weak muscle into 4-5 tendon insertions (fan connection)

• stabilising effect
• locking of the midfoot