Abstract
The current study examines structural reorganisation in tendon fascicles under tensile loading conditions. Using confocal microscopy to image the collagen fibre structure, it analyses collagen movement in response to tensile strain, to examine the mechanisms of extension employed by fascicles. Data demonstrates an inhomogeneous strain response throughout the matrix and large variability between samples. Local strains were significantly smaller than applied values. However, extension was enabled by rotation of the sample, and relative sliding between adjacent collagen fibres. Data highlights the non-homogenous strain environment of fascicles and indicates a possible helical organisation of the matrix throughout the tendon hierarchy.
