Abstract
The relationships of width, thickness, volume and load to extension for human skin in vitro are reported. The specimens tested exhibited a low stiffness phase followed by a high stiffness phase. Volume rose than fell back to the initial volume at approximately the end of the low stiffness phase, and continued on falling to a final reduction of about 20 per cent at failure. Width decreased throughout, showing a maximum rate of reduction at approximately the end of the low stiffness phase. Thickness increased at a rate which also was maximum at the end of the low stiffness phase. The specimens used were long compared with their width and thickness thus offering no constraint to lateral contraction. An interpretation of this data in respect of the behaviour of the collagen fibre matrix is postulated.
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