Ligament microstructure analysis

Authors

Michael Gillespie, Brigham Young University
Jonathan Wisco, Brigham Young University

Keywords

ligament microstructure, fiber contrast of tendons, 3D gross anatomical structure

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

Due to the relatively poor fiber contrast of tendons in comparison with muscles, the anatomical, and therefore, functional relationship of muscle attachments to bones via tendons has not been well mapped. We were interested in mapping the 3D gross anatomical structure of tendons using a MicroScribe 3D digitizer (GoMeasure3D, Amherst, VA), with the goal to compare fibrous architecture between tendons of various types of muscles and muscle classes. We developed a stain made of blue dye and powdered sugar to increase fiber visibility, thus allowing for 3D digitization. This technique was applied to human cadaveric calcaneal tendon and quadriceps tendon.

Recommended Citation

Gillespie, Michael and Wisco, Jonathan (2016) "Ligament microstructure analysis," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2016: Iss. 1, Article 178.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2016/iss1/178