During tendon healing, how does new collagen align during remodeling?

During tendon healing, how does new collagen align during remodeling?

• A. Random alignment
• B. Parallel to the tendon
• C. Perpendicular to the tendon
• D. No alignment

Answer: (B)

During tendon remodeling, mechanical forces guide the organization of new collagen so it runs parallel to the tendon’s long axis. Fibroblasts lay down type I collagen and align the fibers in the direction of tensile load, boosting stiffness and strength along the same axis the tendon normally experiences. Early scar tissue may be more disorganized, but with continued loading and time, the collagen bundles realign into parallel, well-organized fibers. A perpendicular or random arrangement would not effectively resist the pull of the muscle, leading to weaker, less functional tissue.

During tendon remodeling, mechanical forces guide the organization of new collagen so it runs parallel to the tendon’s long axis. Fibroblasts lay down type I collagen and align the fibers in the direction of tensile load, boosting stiffness and strength along the same axis the tendon normally experiences. Early scar tissue may be more disorganized, but with continued loading and time, the collagen bundles realign into parallel, well-organized fibers. A perpendicular or random arrangement would not effectively resist the pull of the muscle, leading to weaker, less functional tissue.