title: Tendon's ultrastructure.
abstract: The structure of a tendon is an important example of complexity of ECM three-dimensional organization. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecular network with both structural and regulatory functions. ECM components belong to four major types of macromolecules: the collagens, elastin, proteoglycans, and noncollagenous glycoproteins. Tendons are made by a fibrous, compact connective tissue that connect muscle to bone designed to transmit forces and withstand tension during muscle contraction. Here we show the ultrastructural features of tendon's components.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tresoldi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benvenuto
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fantini
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Masuelli
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bei
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Modesti
keywords: collagen; extra-cellular matrix; tendon; ultrastructure