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We study the structure and mechanical properties of
biological tissues using the mechanics of materials. The aim of our study is to
develop new medical treatments and biomaterials on tendons and ligaments of
knee joints.
Tendons and ligaments consist of collagen and have
very complicated structures. The collagen fascicles of approximately 100
micrometers in diameter and the collagen fibrils of approximately 200
nanometers in diameter are obtained from mouse tail tendons, and are stretched
to failure. In addition, the
mechanical properties of human patellar tendons are measured during isometric
knee extension contractions in male subjects using ultrasonography. |
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Electron microscopic image of fascicle
from mouse tail
tendon.
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Ultrasound image of human
patellar tendon.
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