Static-Strain-Induced Adaptation of Fibrous Tissue

Fibrous tissues have the ability to adapt to their mechanical environment. Adaptation can be guided by the direction and magnitude of the imposed load, leading to structural changes and altered mechanical properties. This is important for proper functioning of all fibrous tissues, especially those with a load bearing capacity such as tendons, ligaments, and tissue-supporting fibrous sheets. The mechanism by which fibrous tissues adapt to alterations in their mechanical environment remains unresolved, and such knowledge will be helpful to guide repair and engineering of artificial fibrous tissues.