Introduction to Biological Tissue Mechanics

Flashcards covering the introductory concepts of tissue mechanics, biological tissue classifications, structural properties, and mechanical behavior under load.

What is the definition of Mechanics of Biological Tissues?

It is the branch of science that studies the mechanical properties of human body tissues under the influence of applied forces.

What are the four primary categories of biological tissues?

1. Epithelial tissue
2. Connective tissue
3. Muscle tissue
4. Nervous tissue

What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

Protection (e.g., skin), absorption (e.g., intestine), secretion (e.g., glands), removal of substances (e.g., mucous membranes), and sensation through sensory receptors for touch, pressure, and pain.

What are the three types of fibers found in connective tissue matrix and their functions?

Collagen fibers (provide high strength and resistance to tension), elastic fibers (allow elasticity), and reticular fibers (form support networks).

What are the subcategories of connective tissue?

Fibrous tissue (ligaments, tendons), osseous/bone tissue (bones), cartilaginous tissue (cartilage), adipose tissue, and blood.

What are the functions and types of muscle tissue?

Functions include body movement, posture maintenance, and heat production. The three types are skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

What are the two cell types in nervous tissue and their roles?

Neurons (cells that transmit electrical signals) and neuroglia (cells providing support, protection, and nourishment to neurons).

What are the mechanical roles of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in the musculoskeletal system?

Bones act as load carriers and levers; muscles produce force; tendons transmit force; ligaments provide passive stability; cartilage absorbs loads.

What properties determine a structure's resistance to deformation when an external force is applied?

Material composition, geometry (shape), microstructure (organization of molecules and fibers), and macrostructure (overall configuration).

What are the two primary types of axial loading described?

Tension (stretching) and compression (squashing/squeezing).

What are the color-coded resistance levels for the exercise balls mentioned in the lecture?

Very Soft / Yellow ($0.68\,kg$), Soft / Red ($1.36\,kg$), Medium / Green ($2.27\,kg$), Hard / Blue ($3.63\,kg$), and Very Hard / Black ($7.71\,kg$).

What is tissue strength or tolerance (Antochi)?

The maximum stress or load limit that a biological tissue can withstand before undergoing injury or damage.

What happens when applied load is significantly greater than tissue tolerance ($\text{Load} \gg \text{Tissue Tolerance}$)?

The tissue suffers an injury, such as a rupture, fracture, or strain.

What happens when applied load is less than tissue tolerance?

The tissue withstands the force and adapts.