Tendons & ligaments Flashcards
What is tendon made of
Water
Collagen – for strength & elasticity
Mainly type I
Some type III & IV
Non-collagenous matrix – holds water & other mechanical properties
Elastin, proteoglycans, inorganic components
Fibroblasts – synthesise extracellular structural proteins
Called tenoblasts & tenocytes in tendons
What is ligament made of
Dense regular connective tissue
Collagen fibres arranged in multiple directions for strength
Similar make up to tendons but more elastin & type III collagen
Basic structure & function of tendons
Physical link between muscle & bone
Serve to produce movement at distance
Elastic qualities limited
Poor blood supply
Dense regular connective tissue
Passively transfer force generated by muscle to distant insertion
Extensor tendons are positional (not very elastic)
Flexor tendons are elastic
Basic structure and function of ligaments
Bands of connective tissue which cross joint space – support & modify joint movement
Join bone to bone
Describe how composition, alignment and vascularity of tendons & ligaments relates to their biomechanical properties
Composition
Collagen provides strength & structure
Elastin contributes to flexibility
Proteoglycans maintain hydration
Alignment
Collagen fibres in tendons highly aligned following direction of force transmission between muscles & bones – allows them to transmit forces efficiently
Ligaments are less organised allowing them to withstand multi-directional forces
Vascularity
Limited blood supply – affects ability to repair after injury
Explain sheaths and bursae
Sheaths:
Tubular structures that surround & protect tendons
Outer fibrous layer, parietal layer & inner synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid
Bursae:
Small, fluid-filled sacs located between tendons
Reduce friction & cushion pressure points
Lined with synovial cells that produce synovial fluid
