Connective Tissue Structure, Function, and Biomechanics

Level 1 Professional Knowledge

Administration of specific therapeutic/exercise procedures; "knowing how to do it."

Level 2 Professional Knowledge

Principles and guidelines for utilization of a procedure; "knowing when to do it."

Level 3 Professional Knowledge

Basic science and theory of functional restoration; "knowing how and why it works."

Translational Motion

Linear movement of a body segment.

Angular Motion

Rotary movement around an imaginary line called the axis of motion.

Moment

Angular motion force determined by force magnitude and perpendicular distance (moment arm).

Dynamic Joint Stability

Generation of muscle tension required to counteract external moments acting on joints.

Glide

Linear kinematic movement across a joint surface.

Spin

Kinematic movement where backward sliding offsets forward rolling.

Bursa

Flattened, fibrous sac lined with synovial membrane and containing synovial fluid.

Tendon Sheath

An elongated bursa that wraps completely around a tendon to reduce friction.

Connective Tissue

A meshwork composed of fibers (collagen/elastin), flattened cells (fibroblasts), and ground substance.

Procollagen

The precursor form of collagen synthesized within the fibroblast.

Ground Substance (Matrix)

Extracellular mixture composed of hyaluronate and proteoglycans (glycosaminoglycans).

Three Functions of Ligaments

Maintenance of joint stability, guidance of joint motion, and mechanoreceptor afference.

Viscoelasticity

Property where mechanical behavior changes with loading rate; faster rates increase stiffness.

Isotropic Material

A material exhibiting identical mechanical properties in all directions.

Anisotropic Material

A material whose mechanical properties depend on the direction of applied load.

Stress (σ)

Force normalized to the area over which it is applied.

Strain (ε)

Deformation or change in length of a material under load.

Wolff's Law

Bone grows or remodels in response to the forces or demands placed upon it.

Periosteum

Double-layered protective membrane covering the outer surface of bone.

Endosteum

Delicate membrane covering the internal surfaces of bone.

Osteon

The structural unit of compact bone.

Four Zones of Epiphyseal Plate

Zones of resting cartilage, growth, transformation, and osteogenesis.

Appositional Growth

Bone growth that increases bone diameter.