Tendons and Ligaments Flashcards
What are tendons
Connect muscle to bone
Facilitate movement provide some support and stabilization
Usually named for location and primary function
What are ligaments
Connect bone to bone
Provide support and stabilization
3 common types: Collateral, Cruciate, Suspensory
What are Collateral ligaments
Located on medial and lateral sides of joints
What are Cruciate ligaments
Located inta-articularly to form an X pattern
What are suspensory ligaments
Function to suspend a bone/bones
What are some important ligaments of the front and rear limbs
Suspensory ligament (interosseous)-Proximal 3rd metacarpal/metatarsal to prox. sesamoids
Extensor branch-Proximal sesamoids to dorsal P1/P2
Intersesmoidian-between pros sesamoids
Distal sesamoids-pro sesamoids to palmar plantar P1/P2
What are some important ligaments of the rear limb
Patellar ligaments - Stifle
Plantar ligament - hock
What are the similarities of ligaments and tendons
Dense band of connective tissue organized in parallel and overlapping fibers
Semi-elastic
What are the differences in ligaments and tendons
Function- one is for movement and one is for support
Blood supply- more BS bc tendons connect to muscle
What are tenocytes
Specialized fiberblasts that help to maintain tendon structure through collagen production
What is tendinitis
Inflammation of tendon
What is desmitis
Inflammation of ligament
What can cause fiber damage
Trama/Lacerations
Acute overload - stretched beyond its limits
Repeated load and gradual degeneration - damage happens faster than it can renew
How does damage heal
Hemorrhage and clotting occurs
Inflammatory response happens
Fibroblast begin to repair - not organized, synthesize collagen, isn’t healed completely yet
2-6 months later collagen becomes organized and connect to old fiber
6-9 months after injury healing completely may be less elastic
How are injuries diagnosed
Heat pain and swelling
Ultrasound to look at fiber alignment, cross sectional area, and length
