Abstract
The crimp morphology of collagen fibres from human cadaveric anterior longitudinal, posterior longitudinal and interspinous ligaments was demonstrated by the analysis of extinction and transmission bands seen across the axis of the fibres on transmission polarization microscopy. The experimentally observed force/strain behaviour of the fibres at low tensile forces was correlated quantitatively with their crimp structure. The initial extension of the fibres in the toe region of the stress-strain curve can be attributed to the deformity of crimps. Further confirmation of the crimp morphology, notably in rat tail tendons, by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy is discussed. Finally, it is suggested the crimp structure does alter in diseases and ageing. This may account for associated changes in the mechanical behaviour of the tissues.
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