The present study pursues the hypothesis that local compressive force and the occurrence of cartilage-specific transformation processes within tendons and ligaments are directly correlated.

In selected anatomical samples of human origin the distribution pattern of certain components of the extracellular matrix is assessed. Investigations are carried out at the extensor tendons of toes and fingers, at the transverse ligament of the atlas, at the transverse ligament of the acetabulum, and at the tendon of the superior oblique muscle and its trochlea. The molecular components of the extracellular matrix are detected with standardized immunohistochemical methods.

The results show that certain molecules only occur due to compressive stress, others due to tensile stress. The molecular spectrum of the extracellular matrix allows qualifying conclusions to the mechanical situation of a given part of the tissue.

The spatial expansion of the fibrocartilaginous adaptation zones in tendons and ligaments roughly corresponds with the zones subjected to compressive force; tensile stress alone does not result in a production of fibrocartilage.

Zusammenfassung
1 Introduction 1. 1 General Remarks The connective and supportive tissues constitute a considerable amount of the biomass in human and animal organisms. Characteristically, the osseous, car- laginous, and ?brous tissues each connect a vital part (cells) with a non-vital part, i. e. , extracellular matrix (ECM). The composition of the ECM constitutes the mechanical qualities of the respective tissue. The functional role of the bone and cartilage tissues is exhaustively discussed in the relevant literature. Whereas bone tissue provides the static and dynamic stability of the system as a whole, cartilage tissue accounts for the power transfer between bones. The articular cartilage insures a fairly friction free mobility of skeletal elements; likewise, cartilage interposed between skeletal elements allows mobility due to its reversible deformability. Under both static and dynamic con- tions, the powers transferred are remarkably large, while the ensuing mechanical force on various tissue zones varies. Tight connective tissue, especially muscle tendons and ligaments, are also part of the skeletal power transfer system. facilitating the transfer of tensile forces. The tendons of the locomotor system serve the purpose of transferring muscular - ergy to those skeletal elements to which they are attached. In this function, they are referred to as tensile tendons (Zugsehnen). Inseveral body parts, however, tendons appear in a peculiar mechanical situation: they pass around so-called - pomochlia, i. e. , bony pulleys. Hence, these tendons are referred to as wrap-around tendons (Gleitsehnen).

Inhalt

Introduction: Preliminary remarks; Adaptation of connective and supportive tissues to their respective functions; Parameters of functional adaptation.- Study aim: Fundamental considerations; Structure of the present study; Questions.- Anatomical structures investigated: Extensor tendons of the toes in the region of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP); Extensor tendons of the hand in the region of the MCP joint; The transverse ligament of the atlas; The transverse ligament of the acetabulum; Tendon and trochlea of the superior oblique muscle.- Materials and methods: Materials; Methodology of the immunohistochemical investigation.- Results: Extensor tendons of the toes; Extensor tendons of the hand in the region of the MCP joint; The transverse ligament of the atlas.- Discussion: Discussion of the method; Discussion of the present study's structure; Discussion of results; Conclusions.- Summary.- Bibliography.- Subject Index.