Molecular Parameters Indicating Adaptation to Mechanical Stress in Fibrous Connective Tissue (Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology Book 178)

The connective and supportive tissues constitute a considerable amount of the biomass in human and animal organisms. The aim of this book is to contribute to the understanding of the mutual relationship between the mechanical situation of tendons and ligaments and their inner structure. List of Contents......Page 5 1.1 General Remarks......Page 7 1.2 Adaptation of Connective and Supportive Tissues to Their Respective Functions......Page 8 1.3 Parameters of Functional Adaptation......Page 10 2.2 Structure of the Present Study......Page 11 2.3 Questions......Page 12 3.1 Extensor Tendons of the Toes in the Region of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint......Page 14 3.2 Extensor Tendons of the Hand in the Region of the MCP Joint......Page 15 3.3 Transverse Ligament of the Atlas......Page 16 3.4 The Transverse Ligament of the Acetabulum......Page 17 3.5 Tendon and Trochlea of the Superior Oblique Muscle......Page 19 4.1.2 Extensor Tendons of the Human Hand in the Region of the MCP Joint......Page 22 4.1.3 The Transverse Ligament of the Atlas......Page 23 4.1.4 The Transverse Ligament of the Acetabulum......Page 24 4.2 Methodology of the Immunohistochemical Investigation......Page 25 5.1.1 Histological Findings......Page 28 5.1.2 Immunohistochemical Findings......Page 29 5.2.2 Immunohistochemical Findings......Page 31 5.3.1 Histological Findings......Page 36 5.3.2 Immunohistochemical Findings......Page 38 5.4.1 Histological Findings......Page 40 5.4.2 Immunohistochemical Findings......Page 41 5.5.1 Histological Findings......Page 43 5.5.2 Immunohistochemical Findings......Page 44 6.1 Discussion of the Method......Page 47 6.2 Discussion of the Present Study's Structure......Page 48 6.3.1 Extensor Tendons of the Toes......Page 49 6.3.2 Extensor Tendons of the Hands in the Region of the MCP Joint......Page 53 6.3.3 The Transverse Ligament of the Atlas......Page 55 6.3.4 The Transverse Ligament of the Acetabulum......Page 57 6.3.5 Tendon and Trochlea of the Superior Oblique Muscle......Page 59 6.4 Conclusions......Page 61 7 Summary......Page 64 References......Page 66 M......Page 75 W......Page 76 1 Introduction 1. 1 General Remarks The connective and supportive tissues constitute a considerable amount of the biomass in human and animal organisms. Characteristically, the osseous, car- laginous, and ?brous tissues each connect a vital part (cells) with a non-vital part, i. e. , extracellular matrix (ECM). The composition of the ECM constitutes the mechanical qualities of the respective tissue. The functional role of the bone and cartilage tissues is exhaustively discussed in the relevant literature. Whereas bone tissue provides the static and dynamic stability of the system as a whole, cartilage tissue accounts for the power transfer between bones. The articular cartilage insures a fairly friction free mobility of skeletal elements; likewise, cartilage interposed between skeletal elements allows mobility due to its reversible deformability. Under both static and dynamic con- tions, the powers transferred are remarkably large, while the ensuing mechanical force on various tissue zones varies. Tight connective tissue, especially muscle tendons and ligaments, are also part of the skeletal power transfer system. facilitating the transfer of tensile forces. The tendons of the locomotor system serve the purpose of transferring muscular - ergy to those skeletal elements to which they are attached. In this function, they are referred to as tensile tendons (“Zugsehnen”). Inseveral body parts, however, tendons appear in a peculiar mechanical situation: they pass around so-called - pomochlia, i. e. , bony pulleys. Hence, these tendons are referred to as wrap-around tendons (“Gleitsehnen”). "The present study pursues the hypothesis that local compressive force and the occurrence of cartilage-specific transformation processes within tendons and ligaments are directly correlated." "In selected anatomical samples of human origin the distribution pattern of certain components of the extracellular matrix is assessed. Investigations are carried out at the extensor tendons of toes and fingers, at the transverse ligament of the atlas, at the transverse ligament of the acetabulum, and at the tendon of the superior oblique muscle and its trochlea. The molecular components of the extracellular matrix are detected with standardized immunohistochemical methods." "The results show that certain molecules only occur due to compressive stress, others due to tensile stress. The molecular spectrum of the extracellular matrix allows qualifying conclusions to the mechanical situation of a given part of the tissue." "The spatial expansion of the fibrocartilaginous adaptation zones in tendons and ligaments roughly corresponds with the zones subjected to compressive force; tensile stress alone does not result in a production of fibrocartilage."--BOOK JACKET