Ultrastructural studies on horse ligaments : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biophysics at Massey University
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Date
1993
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Massey University
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Abstract
This thesis has been devoted to studying one of the largest structural units present in most
connective tissues - the collagen fibriL Diameter distributions of collagen fibrils from horse
ligaments have been investigated as a function of age. A fairly complete age-related study of
collagen fibril diameter distribution was targeted during this work. The ligaments (lateral
collateral ligament, medial collateral ligament, radioscaphoid ligament, lateral
pisoformometacarpal ligament and scaphocapitate ligament) were sampled from horses of
ages one year, two-and-half year, five year, six year and eleven year. Electron microscopy
methods were employed and corresponding electron micrographs were obtained from
transverse sections. These were used to calculate a mean diameter and mass-average diameter
of the collagen fibrils. Individual histograms were plotted showing the frequency and mass
distribution of the fibrils versus the diameter at each of the ages studied. The data obtained
have been related to the mechanical properties of the ligaments and their mode of growth. The
diameter distributions obtained clearly reflect the mechanical needs of the ligaments during
various stages of maturation. Results from a previous study of these ligaments at one
particular age (four years) have been compared and found to be compatible with the results
obtained during the course of this study. The effect of training on collagen fibril diameter
distribution of horse ligaments has also been discussed.
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Keywords
Horses, Anatomy, Ligaments, Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Organism biology::Animal physiology