BIOCHEMICAL, HISTOLOGICAL, AND BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSES OF CANINE TENDON

To define the matrix composition and architecture of canine flexor tendon, and to correlate tissue structure with applied mechanical loading, five anatomical regions of flexor tendon were studied. Histologically, two prominent fibrocartilaginous areas were observed on concave aspects of the tendon. Comparative biochemical analysis showed an elevated water content, a fivefold higher hexuronic acid content, and a larger hydroxylysine/hydroxyproline ratio in this region relative to that for more tendinous areas. The data document the existence of discrete areas of specialization within the flexor tendon that appear to be an adaptation to nutritional and mechanical factors.