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Lateral force transmission between human tendon fascicles.

Bjarki T Haraldsson1, Per Aagaard, Klaus Qvortrup

  • 1Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Matrix Biology : Journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology
|October 13, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Collagen fascicles in human tendons transmit force mainly within themselves, not between adjacent ones. This study found minimal lateral force transmission, suggesting fascicles act independently.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Tendon Structure and Function
  • Collagenous Tissues

Background:

  • Collagen fascicles form the structural basis of tendons.
  • The mechanism of force transmission between adjacent fascicles is not well understood.
  • Understanding fascicular force transmission is crucial for comprehending tendon mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify lateral force transmission between adjacent collagen fascicles in human patellar and Achilles tendons.
  • To determine if collagen fascicles transmit force in parallel or act as independent units.

Main Methods:

  • Dissection of adjacent fascicle bundles (300-530 µm diameter) from human patellar and Achilles tendons.
  • Tensile testing of fascicles within their membrane under controlled strain (3%).
  • Comparative analysis of force and stiffness across three loading cycles: intact, one fascicle cut, both fascicles cut.

Main Results:

  • Cutting one fascicle reduced peak force by 45-55% and stiffness by 39-60%.
  • Cutting both fascicles resulted in a 92-93% reduction in peak force and 93-100% reduction in stiffness.
  • Significant force loss occurred when individual fascicles were severed, indicating limited lateral force sharing.

Conclusions:

  • Lateral force transmission between adjacent collagen fascicles in human tendons is minimal or negligible.
  • Tendon fascicles primarily function as independent force-transmitting units.
  • Force transmission predominantly occurs within individual fascicles, not laterally between them.