FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Acta Biomater / Fascicles and the interfascicular matrix show adaptation for...
Acta biomaterialia2016; 42; 308-315; doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.06.012

Fascicles and the interfascicular matrix show adaptation for fatigue resistance in energy storing tendons.

Abstract: Tendon is composed of rope-like fascicles, bound together by interfascicular matrix (IFM). Our previous work shows that the IFM is critical for tendon function, facilitating sliding between fascicles to allow tendons to stretch. This function is particularly important in energy storing tendons, which experience extremely high strains during exercise, and therefore require the capacity for considerable inter-fascicular sliding and recoil. This capacity is not required in positional tendons. Whilst we have previously described the quasi-static properties of the IFM, the fatigue resistance of the IFM in functionally distinct tendons remains unknown. We therefore tested the hypothesis that fascicles and IFM in the energy storing equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) are more fatigue resistant than those in the positional common digital extensor tendon (CDET). Fascicles and IFM from both tendon types were subjected to cyclic fatigue testing until failure, and mechanical properties were calculated. The results demonstrated that both fascicles and IFM from the energy storing SDFT were able to resist a greater number of cycles before failure than those from the positional CDET. Further, SDFT fascicles and IFM exhibited less hysteresis over the course of testing than their counterparts in the CDET. This is the first study to assess the fatigue resistance of the IFM, demonstrating that IFM has a functional role within tendon and contributes significantly to tendon mechanical properties. These data provide important advances into fully characterising tendon structure-function relationships. Understanding tendon-structure function relationships is crucial for the development of effective preventative measures and treatments for tendon injury. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the interfascicular matrix is able to withstand a high degree of cyclic loading, and is specialised for improved fatigue resistance in energy storing tendons. These findings highlight the importance of the interfascicular matrix in the function of energy storing tendons, and potentially provide new avenues for the development of treatments for tendon injury which specifically target the interfascicular matrix.
Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2016-06-07 PubMed ID: 27286677PubMed Central: PMC5015572DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.06.012Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the fatigue resistance of structures within tendons, specifically fascicles and the interfascicular matrix (IFM). The analysis reveals that these structures within energy storing tendons demonstrate greater fatigue resistance and are better equipped to handle high-strain activities as compared to positional tendons.

Research Overview

  • The study moves forward from where previous works left off, exploring the dynamic properties of the interfascicular matrix (IFM) in tendons, a component that is of central use in facilitating the stretchability and flexibility of tendons.
  • Energy storing tendons, principally due to their function, experience high degrees of strain, needing substantial flexibility to absorb and release energy.
  • The study hypothesises that these tendons, in response to their role, have developed increased fatigue resistance in their fascicular and IFM structures as compared to positional tendons which perform relatively static functions.

Methodology

  • The investigation involved fatigue testing fascicles and the IFM from two distinct types of tendons – the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT, an energy-storing tendon) and the common digital extensor tendon (CDET, a positional tendon).
  • Both structures were subjected to cyclic fatigue testing until failure, and their mechanical properties were measured and assessed.

Results and Interpretation

  • The results of the testing highlighted the differential resistance of the two types of tendons to fatigue. Both fascicles and the IFM from SDFT demonstrated a higher ability to resist fatigue as compared to their counterparts within the CDET.
  • The SDFT also exhibited less hysteresis during testing, which suggests a better stress-strain performance when subjected to a constant degree of force.
  • This provides valuable insights into the functional role of the IFM, indicating that the nature of this particular structure has evolved based on the functional demands of the tendon.

Relevance and Future Directions

  • The findings from this study make a significant contribution to our understanding of tendon structure-function relationships, particularly the critical role the IFM plays in this context.
  • Enhanced comprehension in this area is crucial for developing preventative measures or designing treatments for tendon injuries—especially those that specifically target the interfascicular matrix.
  • The ability of the IFM and fascicles in energy-storing tendons to cope under high levels of cyclic strain and show improved fatigue resistance opens up potential paths for further research and possible treatment approaches for tendon injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Thorpe CT, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HRC. (2016). Fascicles and the interfascicular matrix show adaptation for fatigue resistance in energy storing tendons. Acta Biomater, 42, 308-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2016.06.012

Publication

Acta biomaterialia
ISSN: 1878-7568
NlmUniqueID: 101233144
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 42
Pages: 308-315
PII: S1742-7061(16)30289-6

Researcher Affiliations

Thorpe, Chavaunne T
  • Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK. Electronic address: c.thorpe@qmul.ac.uk.
Riley, Graham P
  • School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Birch, Helen L
  • Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK.
Clegg, Peter D
  • Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.
Screen, Hazel R C
  • Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology
  • Horses
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Tendons / anatomy & histology
  • Tendons / physiology
  • Weight-Bearing

Grant Funding

  • 18424 / Versus Arthritis
  • MR/K006312/1 / Medical Research Council
  • BB/K008412/1 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

References

This article includes 30 references
  1. Lichtwark GA, Wilson AM. In vivo mechanical properties of the human Achilles tendon during one-legged hopping.. J Exp Biol 2005 Dec;208(Pt 24):4715-25.
    pubmed: 16326953doi: 10.1242/jeb.01950google scholar: lookup
  2. Malliaras P, Cook J, Purdam C, Rio E. Patellar Tendinopathy: Clinical Diagnosis, Load Management, and Advice for Challenging Case Presentations.. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015 Nov;45(11):887-98.
    pubmed: 26390269doi: 10.2519/jospt.2015.5987google scholar: lookup
  3. Thorpe CT, Udeze CP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. Specialization of tendon mechanical properties results from interfascicular differences.. J R Soc Interface 2012 Nov 7;9(76):3108-17.
    pmc: PMC3479922pubmed: 22764132doi: 10.1098/rsif.2012.0362google scholar: lookup
  4. Batson EL, Paramour RJ, Smith TJ, Birch HL, Patterson-Kane JC, Goodship AE. Are the material properties and matrix composition of equine flexor and extensor tendons determined by their functions?. Equine Vet J 2003 May;35(3):314-8.
    pubmed: 12755437doi: 10.2746/042516403776148327google scholar: lookup
  5. Maganaris CN, Paul JP. In vivo human tendon mechanical properties.. J Physiol 1999 Nov 15;521 Pt 1(Pt 1):307-13.
    pmc: PMC2269645pubmed: 10562354doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.1999.00307.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  6. Pike AV, Ker RF, Alexander RM. The development of fatigue quality in high- and low-stressed tendons of sheep (Ovis aries).. J Exp Biol 2000 Jul;203(Pt 14):2187-93.
    pubmed: 10862730doi: 10.1242/jeb.203.14.2187google scholar: lookup
  7. Ker RF, Wang XT, Pike AV. Fatigue quality of mammalian tendons.. J Exp Biol 2000 Apr;203(Pt 8):1317-27.
    pubmed: 10729280doi: 10.1242/jeb.203.8.1317google scholar: lookup
  8. Kastelic J, Galeski A, Baer E. The multicomposite structure of tendon.. Connect Tissue Res 1978;6(1):11-23.
    pubmed: 149646doi: 10.3109/03008207809152283google scholar: lookup
  9. Thorpe CT, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. The role of the non-collagenous matrix in tendon function.. Int J Exp Pathol 2013 Aug;94(4):248-59.
    pmc: PMC3721456pubmed: 23718692doi: 10.1111/iep.12027google scholar: lookup
  10. Thorpe CT, Peffers MJ, Simpson D, Halliwell E, Screen HR, Clegg PD. Anatomical heterogeneity of tendon: Fascicular and interfascicular tendon compartments have distinct proteomic composition.. Sci Rep 2016 Feb 4;6:20455.
    pmc: PMC4740843pubmed: 26842662doi: 10.1038/srep20455google scholar: lookup
  11. Thorpe CT, Karunaseelan KJ, Ng Chieng Hin J, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. Distribution of proteins within different compartments of tendon varies according to tendon type.. J Anat 2016 Sep;229(3):450-8.
    pmc: PMC4974547pubmed: 27113131doi: 10.1111/joa.12485google scholar: lookup
  12. Thorpe CT, Godinho MSC, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HRC. The interfascicular matrix enables fascicle sliding and recovery in tendon, and behaves more elastically in energy storing tendons.. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2015 Dec;52:85-94.
    pmc: PMC4655227pubmed: 25958330doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.04.009google scholar: lookup
  13. Shepherd JH, Legerlotz K, Demirci T, Klemt C, Riley GP, Screen HR. Functionally distinct tendon fascicles exhibit different creep and stress relaxation behaviour.. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2014 Jan;228(1):49-59.
    pmc: PMC4361498pubmed: 24285289doi: 10.1177/0954411913509977google scholar: lookup
  14. Thorpe CT, Spiesz EM, Chaudhry S, Screen HR, Clegg PD. Science in brief: recent advances into understanding tendon function and injury risk.. Equine Vet J 2015 Mar;47(2):137-40.
    pubmed: 25644766doi: 10.1111/evj.12346google scholar: lookup
  15. Biewener AA. Muscle-tendon stresses and elastic energy storage during locomotion in the horse.. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 1998 May;120(1):73-87.
    pubmed: 9787779doi: 10.1016/s0305-0491(98)00024-8google scholar: lookup
  16. Innes JF, Clegg P. Comparative rheumatology: what can be learnt from naturally occurring musculoskeletal disorders in domestic animals?. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010 Jun;49(6):1030-9.
    pubmed: 20176567doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kep465google scholar: lookup
  17. Lui PP, Maffulli N, Rolf C, Smith RK. What are the validated animal models for tendinopathy?. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011 Feb;21(1):3-17.
    pubmed: 20673247doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01164.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  18. Birch HL. Tendon matrix composition and turnover in relation to functional requirements.. Int J Exp Pathol 2007 Aug;88(4):241-8.
    pmc: PMC2517317pubmed: 17696905doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2007.00552.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  19. Thorpe CT, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. Effect of fatigue loading on structure and functional behaviour of fascicles from energy-storing tendons.. Acta Biomater 2014 Jul;10(7):3217-24.
    pubmed: 24747261doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.04.008google scholar: lookup
  20. Legerlotz K, Jones GC, Screen HR, Riley GP. Cyclic loading of tendon fascicles using a novel fatigue loading system increases interleukin-6 expression by tenocytes.. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2013 Feb;23(1):31-7.
    pmc: PMC3558793pubmed: 22092479doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01410.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  21. Thorpe CT, Udeze CP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. Capacity for sliding between tendon fascicles decreases with ageing in injury prone equine tendons: a possible mechanism for age-related tendinopathy?. Eur Cell Mater 2013 Jan 8;25:48-60.
    pubmed: 23300032doi: 10.22203/ecm.v025a04google scholar: lookup
  22. Ker RF. Mechanics of tendon, from an engineering perspective.. Int. J. Fatigue 2007;29:1001–1009.
  23. Ali OJ, Comerford EJ, Canty-Laird E, Clegg PD. Three-dimensional anatomy of equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Bone Joint J 2015;97-B(Suppl. 11):17.
  24. Ker RF, Alexander RM, Bennett MB. Why are mammalian tendons so thick?. J. Zool. 1988;216:309–324.
  25. Fung DT, Wang VM, Laudier DM, Shine JH, Basta-Pljakic J, Jepsen KJ, Schaffler MB, Flatow EL. Subrupture tendon fatigue damage.. J Orthop Res 2009 Feb;27(2):264-273.
    pmc: PMC4786739pubmed: 18683881doi: 10.1002/jor.20722google scholar: lookup
  26. Shepherd JH, Riley GP, Screen HR. Early stage fatigue damage occurs in bovine tendon fascicles in the absence of changes in mechanics at either the gross or micro-structural level.. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2014 Oct;38:163-72.
    pmc: PMC4148183pubmed: 25001495doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2014.06.005google scholar: lookup
  27. Parent G, Huppé N, Langelier E. Low stress tendon fatigue is a relatively rapid process in the context of overuse injuries.. Ann Biomed Eng 2011 May;39(5):1535-45.
    pubmed: 21287276doi: 10.1007/s10439-011-0254-0google scholar: lookup
  28. Thorpe CT, Klemt C, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. Helical sub-structures in energy-storing tendons provide a possible mechanism for efficient energy storage and return.. Acta Biomater 2013 Aug;9(8):7948-56.
    pubmed: 23669621doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.05.004google scholar: lookup
  29. Thorpe CT, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HR. Fascicles from energy-storing tendons show an age-specific response to cyclic fatigue loading.. J R Soc Interface 2014 Mar 6;11(92):20131058.
    pmc: PMC3899876pubmed: 24402919doi: 10.1098/rsif.2013.1058google scholar: lookup
  30. Andarawis-Puri N, Sereysky JB, Jepsen KJ, Flatow EL. The relationships between cyclic fatigue loading, changes in initial mechanical properties, and the in vivo temporal mechanical response of the rat patellar tendon.. J Biomech 2012 Jan 3;45(1):59-65.
    pmc: PMC3763928pubmed: 22055428doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.10.008google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 28 times.
  1. Arampatzis A, Kharazi M, Theodorakis C, Mersmann F, Bohm S. Biarticular mechanisms of the gastrocnemii muscles enhance ankle mechanical power and work during running. R Soc Open Sci 2023 Aug;10(8):230007.
    doi: 10.1098/rsos.230007pubmed: 37650058google scholar: lookup
  2. Mienaltowski MJ, Gonzales NL, Beall JM, Pechanec MY. Basic Structure, Physiology, and Biochemistry of Connective Tissues and Extracellular Matrix Collagens. Adv Exp Med Biol 2021;1348:5-43.
    doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-80614-9_2pubmed: 34807414google scholar: lookup
  3. Eisner LE, Rosario R, Andarawis-Puri N, Arruda EM. The Role of the Non-Collagenous Extracellular Matrix in Tendon and Ligament Mechanical Behavior: A Review. J Biomech Eng 2022 May 1;144(5).
    doi: 10.1115/1.4053086pubmed: 34802057google scholar: lookup
  4. Marr N, Meeson R, Kelly EF, Fang Y, Peffers MJ, Pitsillides AA, Dudhia J, Thorpe CT. CD146 Delineates an Interfascicular Cell Sub-Population in Tendon That Is Recruited during Injury through Its Ligand Laminin-α4. Int J Mol Sci 2021 Sep 8;22(18).
    doi: 10.3390/ijms22189729pubmed: 34575887google scholar: lookup
  5. Lehr NL, Clark WH, Lewek MD, Franz JR. The effects of triceps surae muscle stimulation on localized Achilles subtendon tissue displacements. J Exp Biol 2021 Aug 1;224(15).
    doi: 10.1242/jeb.242135pubmed: 34350951google scholar: lookup
  6. Zitnay JL, Lin AH, Weiss JA. Tendons exhibit greater resistance to tissue and molecular-level damage with increasing strain rate during cyclic fatigue. Acta Biomater 2021 Oct 15;134:435-442.
    doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.045pubmed: 34314889google scholar: lookup
  7. Patel D, Zamboulis DE, Spiesz EM, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Thorpe CT, Screen HRC. Structure-function specialisation of the interfascicular matrix in the human achilles tendon. Acta Biomater 2021 Sep 1;131:381-390.
    doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.019pubmed: 34271169google scholar: lookup
  8. Wagner FC, Reese S, Gerlach K, Böttcher P, Mülling CKW. Cyclic tensile tests of Shetland pony superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) with an optimized cryo-clamp combined with biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy. BMC Vet Res 2021 Jun 25;17(1):223.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-02914-wpubmed: 34172051google scholar: lookup
  9. Godinho MS, Thorpe CT, Greenwald SE, Screen HRC. Elastase treatment of tendon specifically impacts the mechanical properties of the interfascicular matrix. Acta Biomater 2021 Mar 15;123:187-196.
    doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.030pubmed: 33508509google scholar: lookup
  10. Zhang J, Li F, Williamson KM, Tan S, Scott D, Onishi K, Hogan MV, Wang JH. Characterization of the structure, vascularity, and stem/progenitor cell populations in porcine Achilles tendon (PAT). Cell Tissue Res 2021 May;384(2):367-387.
    doi: 10.1007/s00441-020-03379-3pubmed: 33496880google scholar: lookup
  11. Zamboulis DE, Thorpe CT, Ashraf Kharaz Y, Birch HL, Screen HR, Clegg PD. Postnatal mechanical loading drives adaptation of tissues primarily through modulation of the non-collagenous matrix. Elife 2020 Oct 16;9.
    doi: 10.7554/eLife.58075pubmed: 33063662google scholar: lookup
  12. Lin AH, Allan AN, Zitnay JL, Kessler JL, Yu SM, Weiss JA. Collagen denaturation is initiated upon tissue yield in both positional and energy-storing tendons. Acta Biomater 2020 Dec;118:153-160.
    doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.056pubmed: 33035697google scholar: lookup
  13. Choi H, Simpson D, Wang D, Prescott M, Pitsillides AA, Dudhia J, Clegg PD, Ping P, Thorpe CT. Heterogeneity of proteome dynamics between connective tissue phases of adult tendon. Elife 2020 May 12;9.
    doi: 10.7554/eLife.55262pubmed: 32393437google scholar: lookup
  14. Rosario MV, Roberts TJ. Loading Rate Has Little Influence on Tendon Fascicle Mechanics. Front Physiol 2020;11:255.
    doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00255pubmed: 32265742google scholar: lookup
  15. Sprague A, Epsley S, Silbernagel KG. Distinguishing Quadriceps Tendinopathy and Patellar Tendinopathy: Semantics or Significant?. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019 Sep;49(9):627-630.
    doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0611pubmed: 31475629google scholar: lookup
  16. Zitnay JL, Weiss JA. Load transfer, damage, and failure in ligaments and tendons. J Orthop Res 2018 Dec;36(12):3093-3104.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.24134pubmed: 30175857google scholar: lookup
  17. Eekhoff JD, Fang F, Kahan LG, Espinosa G, Cocciolone AJ, Wagenseil JE, Mecham RP, Lake SP. Functionally Distinct Tendons From Elastin Haploinsufficient Mice Exhibit Mild Stiffening and Tendon-Specific Structural Alteration. J Biomech Eng 2017 Nov 1;139(11):1110031-9.
    doi: 10.1115/1.4037932pubmed: 28916838google scholar: lookup
  18. Godinho MSC, Thorpe CT, Greenwald SE, Screen HRC. Elastin is Localised to the Interfascicular Matrix of Energy Storing Tendons and Becomes Increasingly Disorganised With Ageing. Sci Rep 2017 Aug 30;7(1):9713.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-09995-4pubmed: 28855560google scholar: lookup
  19. Thorpe CT, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HRC. Fascicles and the interfascicular matrix show decreased fatigue life with ageing in energy storing tendons. Acta Biomater 2017 Jul 1;56:58-64.
    doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.03.024pubmed: 28323176google scholar: lookup
  20. Creechley JJ, Krentz ME, Lujan TJ. Fatigue life of bovine meniscus under longitudinal and transverse tensile loading. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017 May;69:185-192.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.12.020pubmed: 28088070google scholar: lookup
  21. Gheisari A, Karjalainen VP, Rieppo L, Kauppinen S, Sawatsky A, Korhonen RK, Herzog W, Saarakkalaa S, Finnilä MAJ, Das Gupta S. Bio-Compositional and Microstructural Changes in Rabbit Knee Collateral Ligaments Eight Weeks After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection. J Orthop Res 2026 Jan;44(1):e70132.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.70132pubmed: 41486476google scholar: lookup
  22. Møbjerg A, Pedersen SD, Kjaer M, Yeung CC. Role of the tendon circadian clock in tendinopathy and implications for therapeutics. Int J Exp Pathol 2025 May;106(3):e70001.
    doi: 10.1111/iep.70001pubmed: 40308034google scholar: lookup
  23. Nakamichi R, Asahara H. The role of mechanotransduction in tendon. J Bone Miner Res 2024 Aug 5;39(7):814-820.
    doi: 10.1093/jbmr/zjae074pubmed: 38795012google scholar: lookup
  24. Shojaee A. Equine tendon mechanical behaviour: Prospects for repair and regeneration applications. Vet Med Sci 2023 Sep;9(5):2053-2069.
    doi: 10.1002/vms3.1205pubmed: 37471573google scholar: lookup
  25. Lake SP, Snedeker JG, Wang VM, Awad H, Screen HRC, Thomopoulos S. Guidelines for ex vivo mechanical testing of tendon. J Orthop Res 2023 Oct;41(10):2105-2113.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.25647pubmed: 37312619google scholar: lookup
  26. Zamboulis DE, Marr N, Lenzi L, Birch HL, Screen HRC, Clegg PD, Thorpe CT. The Interfascicular Matrix of Energy Storing Tendons Houses Heterogenous Cell Populations Disproportionately Affected by Aging. Aging Dis 2024 Feb 1;15(1):295-310.
    doi: 10.14336/AD.2023.0425-1pubmed: 37307816google scholar: lookup
  27. Ito N, Scattone Silva R, Sigurðsson HB, Cortes DH, Silbernagel KG. Challenging the assumption of uniformity in patellar tendon structure: Regional patellar tendon morphology and mechanical properties in vivo. J Orthop Res 2023 Oct;41(10):2232-2237.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.25563pubmed: 36970753google scholar: lookup
  28. Lee AH, Elliott DM. Comparative multi-scale hierarchical structure of the tail, plantaris, and Achilles tendons in the rat. J Anat 2019 Feb;234(2):252-262.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.12913pubmed: 30484871google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.