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Related Concept Videos

The Bone Matrix01:18

The Bone Matrix

Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity01:12

Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity

Elastic fiber contains the protein elastin along with lesser amounts of other proteins and glycoproteins. The main property of elastin is that it will return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Elastic fibers are prominent in elastic tissues found in skin and the elastic ligaments of the vertebral column.
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...

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Engineering Tendon Assembloids to Probe Cellular Crosstalk in Disease and Repair
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Engineering Tendon Assembloids to Probe Cellular Crosstalk in Disease and Repair

Published on: March 22, 2024

Tendon matrix composition and turnover in relation to functional requirements.

Helen L Birch1

  • 1Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Stanmore, UK. h.birch@ucl.ac.uk

International Journal of Experimental Pathology
|August 19, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Tendons exhibit diverse properties based on function, with significant differences in material and molecular composition observed between high-strain and low-strain tendons. These variations influence matrix turnover and tendon cell specialization, crucial for understanding tendon health and repair.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Connective Tissue Biology
  • Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

  • Tendons, dense regular connective tissues, connect muscle to bone.
  • Tendons display significant functional, morphological, molecular, and mechanical variations across different body locations.
  • Understanding these differences is vital for comprehending tendon biology in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between structure and function in distinct tendon types.
  • To analyze variations in material, molecular, and cellular properties of tendons based on their mechanical demands.

Main Methods:

  • Mechanical assessment of tendon properties.
  • Histological measurements of tendon structure.
  • Molecular analysis of tendon matrix composition and turnover.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in material and molecular properties were identified between high-strain (locomotion) and low-strain (positional) tendons.
  • Matrix composition and cellular matrix turnover rates vary between different tendon types.
  • These variations correlate with the magnitude of strain experienced by the tendons during normal activity.

Conclusions:

  • Tendon structure and function are intricately linked, with distinct properties arising from specialized roles.
  • Cellular matrix turnover and specialization are influenced by mechanical strain environments.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key for developing effective cell-based therapies for tendon repair and regeneration.