Arrangement of microfibrils in collagen fibrils of tendons in the rat tail. Ultrastructural and x-ray diffraction investigation.
The microfibrillar arrangement in collagen fibrils of tendons in the tail of the rat was examined by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Fresh and air-dried collagen fibers were examined in unstretched and stretched conditions. The results demonstrate that the microfibrils have a course parallel to the longitudinal axis of the collagen fibrils. The influence of stretching and hydration of the samples on the orientation of fibrils and microfibrils is also assessed.
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013623:Tail; D013710:Tendons / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D003094:Collagen