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Structure of the tendon connective tissue.

¹Accident & Trauma Research Center and Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute, Finland.

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports

|November 21, 2000

Summary

Tendons, composed mainly of type I collagen, have a complex hierarchical structure. This intricate organization enables them to transmit muscle forces to bones, facilitating joint movement and resisting diverse mechanical stresses.

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Orthopedic Biology
Connective Tissue Research

Background:

Tendons are primarily composed of type I collagen (65-80% dry mass) and elastin (1-2%), embedded in a proteoglycan-water matrix.
Tenoblasts and tenocytes produce these components, organizing them into a hierarchical structure from microfibrils to collagen fibers and bundles.
The tendon proper is formed by tertiary bundles, all enclosed within the epitenon sheath.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the complex hierarchical structure of tendons.
To explain the relationship between tendon ultrastructure and its biomechanical function.
To detail how tendon's three-dimensional organization protects against various mechanical forces.

Main Methods:

Descriptive analysis of tendon composition and ultrastructure.
Examination of the hierarchical organization of collagen fibrils, fibers, and bundles.
Correlation of structural features with functional requirements and mechanical stress resistance.

Main Results:

Tendons exhibit a complex hierarchical organization, with collagen fibrils aggregating into fibers, which form bundles (primary, secondary, tertiary).
Collagen fibrils within fibers are oriented longitudinally, transversely, and horizontally, forming spirals and plaits.
This intricate three-dimensional structure allows tendons to transmit muscle force to bone, enabling joint movement and acting as a buffer against diverse forces.

Conclusions:

The hierarchical and three-dimensional structure of tendons is crucial for their biomechanical function.
Tendon organization provides resilience against longitudinal, transversal, and rotational forces, as well as direct impacts.
Understanding tendon ultrastructure is key to comprehending its role in musculoskeletal mechanics and injury prevention.

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