Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Biomechanical Characterization of Human Soft Tissues Using Indentation and Tensile Testing
Published on: December 13, 2016
Differences between human septal and alar cartilage with respect to biomechanical features and biochemical
Paul Severin Wiggenhauser1, Silke Schwarz2, Maren Freutel3
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Frauensteige 12, 89075, Ulm, Germany; Department of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Cartilage grafts have become popular in facial plastic surgery to reconstruct defects or to improve aesthetic outcomes in various applications. But there is a considerable rate of graft failure like resorption or deformation. To improve graft survival and function, accurate understanding of the properties of the recipient site is indispensable. Therefore 10 noses of human cadavers were meticulously dissected and specimens of alar and septal cartilage subjected to confined compression and tensile tests. Furthermore, cell number, glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline content were measured. RESULTS: showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) of alar and septal cartilage regarding Equilibrium Modulus, cell number and glycosaminoglycan but not hydroxyproline content. Tensile tests showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) between alar and septal cartilage (vertical vector of force) for E-modulus, maximal force and maximal strain but not for horizontal vector of force. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) within septal cartilage samples depending on vector of force (vertical vs. horizontal). Finally multifactorial linear regression allowed an estimation of Equilibrium Modulus depending on compression, glycosaminoglycan content and cell number with statistical significance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, nasal cartilage differs in function and composition depending on anatomical location and the prevalent forces. Therefore further research will be necessary to evaluate if graft failure depends on a mismatch of functional properties and if grafts can be adapted to the recipient site.
Related Concept Videos
Classifying Matter by Composition
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or...
Difference from Background: Limit of Detection
The LOD indicates the presence or absence...
Electric Potential and Potential Difference
When a test charge moves from the initial to the final position, the electric potential difference between those positions is defined as the ratio of the change in the potential energy to the charge on the...
Identifying Statistically Significant Differences: The F-Test
Sum and Difference OpAmps
A summing amplifier, or an adder, utilizes an op-amp to merge multiple input signals into a single output signal. When audio signals are introduced into its input channels, the input resistors initiate currents that traverse feedback resistors, resulting in an output voltage. Applying Kirchhoff's current...
Difference Equation Solution using z-Transform
The z-transform facilitates handling delayed signals by shifting the signal in the z-domain, which corresponds to delaying the signal in the time domain, and advancing signals by similarly shifting in the...

