Tag Archives: collagen

Connective Tissue
4
Feb

Overview

Connective tissue provides structural support and transmits mechanical forces across the body. It includes collagen rich tendons ligaments cartilage and extracellular matrix components that determine tissue resilience. Connective tissue disorders affect mobility stability and organ support.

Collagen and Matrix

Collagen fibers provide tensile strength while proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans confer compressive resistance. Matrix remodeling occurs in development repair and disease. Genetic and acquired defects alter tissue mechanics and healing.

Cartilage Tendon and Ligament

Articular cartilage cushions joints tendons transmit muscle force to bone and ligaments stabilize joints. Vascular supply and cellularity differ across tissues influencing repair capacity. Imaging MRI and ultrasound assess integrity and degeneration.

Clinical Relevance

Connective tissue diseases include Ehlers Danlos osteoarthritis tendinopathy and ligament tears. Imaging guides diagnosis and surgical planning while rehabilitation restores function. Tissue engineering and biologic therapies aim to enhance repair.

Tendons and Ligaments
4
Feb

Overview

Tendons connect muscle to bone transmitting contractile force while ligaments connect bone to bone providing joint stability. Both are composed of dense collagen fibers with specialized cells and limited vascularity. Mechanical loading and microtrauma influence adaptation and injury risk.

Tendon Structure and Function

Tendons have hierarchical collagen organization with tenocytes and a surrounding paratenon. They adapt to loading through remodeling but heal slowly due to limited blood supply. Tendinopathy results from overuse degeneration and microtears.

Ligament Structure and Function

Ligaments contain collagen bundles and fibroblasts that resist joint translation and rotation. Injury leads to instability and altered joint mechanics. Surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation restore stability and function.

Clinical Relevance

Tendon tears and ligament sprains are common in sports and trauma requiring imaging and targeted therapy. Ultrasound and MRI assess integrity and guide interventions such as repair or injection. Prevention and graded rehabilitation reduce recurrence.