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. 2013 May 21;3(1):12-22.
doi: 10.11138/mltj/2013.3.1.012. Print 2013 Jan.

Specialisation of extracellular matrix for function in tendons and ligaments

Helen L Birch  1 , Chavaunne T Thorpe, Adam P Rumian
Affiliations

Specialisation of extracellular matrix for function in tendons and ligaments

Helen L Birch et al. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. .

Abstract

Tendons and ligaments are similar structures in terms of their composition, organisation and mechanical properties. The distinction between them stems from their anatomical location; tendons form a link between muscle and bone while ligaments link bones to bones. A range of overlapping functions can be assigned to tendon and ligaments and each structure has specific mechanical properties which appear to be suited for particular in vivo function. The extracellular matrix in tendon and ligament varies in accordance with function, providing appropriate mechanical properties. The most useful framework in which to consider extracellular matrix differences therefore is that of function rather than anatomical location. In this review we discuss what is known about the relationship between functional requirements, structural properties from molecular to gross level, cellular gene expression and matrix turnover. The relevance of this information is considered by reviewing clinical aspects of tendon and ligament repair and reconstructive procedures.

Keywords: biomechanics; collagen; extracellular matrix; ligament; musculoskeletal; tendon.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Graph showing characteristic relationship between applied force and elongation of tendon and ligaments (A) and an example of data collected for the equine SDFT and SL (B).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Hierarchical structure of tendon and ligament (reproduced from Thorpe et al., 201049).
Figure 3
Figure 3
H&E histologic longitudinal sections from the equine SDFT (A) and SL (B) showing the higher cellularity in the SL and different morphologies of tenocyte nuclei.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Relative expression of COL1A2 per cell in equine forelimb tendons and ligament. Data are shown as mean ± SEM, n = 32. *Indicates significant difference relative to the SDFT.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Ratio of Col1A2 to decorin expression in equine forelimb tendons and ligament. Data are shown as mean ± SEM, n = 32. *Indicates significant difference relative to the SDFT.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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