The Biology of Tendons and Ligaments

As noted in the previous chapter and as reviewed extensively elsewhere (Frank 1985, 1988; Akeson 1984), both tendons and ligaments are highly complex structures with a number of unique functional characteristics. While similar in many ways, tendons and ligaments have some important differences in both structure and function which should be appreciated. Further, it is important to recognize that despite their relatively simple appearances, tendons and ligaments are not homogeneous, static structures that simply serve to connect different elements of the musculoskeletal system. Instead, they are both structurally and biologically heterogeneous and surprisingly dynamic in their responses to the environment.