Tendon and Ligament Biology

Question 1

Difference between tendon and ligament

Answer 1

Tendon - Muscle to Bone

Ligament - Bone to Bone

Question 2

Main component of Tendons

Answer 2

Collage
95% Type 1
5% minor types (III and V)

Question 3

How long is each Tropocollagen strand

Answer 3

300nm

Question 4

What are Fibril-Associated Collagens (FACIT)

Answer 4

They link fibrillar collagens to one another or to ECM

IX, XII, XIV, XVI, XIX

Question 5

What are the fibrillar collagens?

Answer 5

I, II, III, V and XI

Question 6

What are some functions performed by a tendon?

Answer 6

Allow the muscle belly to be some distance from the site of action
Eliminate need for unnecessary length of muscle between origin and insertion
Change direction of muscle pull
Act as springs (Achilles)

Question 7

What are some functions performed by ligaments?

Answer 7

Provide attachment for muscles
Send signals to the brain (Proprioception)
Maintain joint stability
Modified to form articular discs
Hold bones together

Question 8

What is the name given to the site where a tendon inserts into a bone

Answer 8

Enthesis

Question 9

What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Answer 9

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are characterised by abnormal skin laxity and hyper mobility of joints

Question 10

What are the 4 major proteins that form fibrils in ECM?

Answer 10

Collagen
Fibrillin
Elastin
Fibronectin