Tendon

:Tendon is also the name of a commune in the Vosges département in France.

Physiology

Tendons were previously thought to be metabolically inert ropes. In fact tenocytes are active cells capable of altering their gene expression profile in response to environmental cues. Tissue deformations experienced in daily life cause fluid flow, strain and shear that activate mechanotransduction pathways within tenocytes. Stretch and voltage activated channels are present on the surface of tenocytes. Gap junction proteins link adjacent tenocytes, allowing direct intercellular communication to occur. Cytokines take part in extracellular signaling between tenocytes and between tenocytes and other cell types.

Related Topics:
Mechanotransduction - Gap junction

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Exercise causes increased blood flow, oxygen demand, collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Increases in gene transcription and post-translational modification of extracellular matrix proteins are part of dynamic acute and chronic responses to mechanical loading.

Related Topics:
Matrix metalloproteinase - Gene transcription - Post-translational modification

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Compressive stress causes tendon to become fibrocartilage.

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