Journal: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Article Title: Altering the Mechanical Load Environment During Growth Does Not Affect Adult Achilles Tendon Properties in an Avian Bipedal Model

doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00994

Figure Lengend Snippet: Schematic of custom-built rig for tendon material testing. The rig was inserted into a material testing system (J; MTS Systems Corporation, Minneapolis, MN, United States) to allow for loading of tendon samples. Tendon specimen (D) were loaded via a 3D-printed tendon tissue clamp (C) at the proximal end, and a bone mount (G) at the distal end. A 50-pound load cell (B) connected the proximal end of the tendon specimen to the MTS linear actuator (A). An xy-stage (I) was used to orient the tendon, allowing for load to be applied along the long axis of the tendon. Tendons were submerged in a saline bath (H) that was heated to the average active body temperature for guinea fowl (41.5°C) using a water heater (E). A high speed camera (F) was used to track tendon marks during loading.

Article Snippet: Samples were mounted vertically via custom clamps on the tendon aponeurosis and the TMT, and attached to a 50-pound load cell (MTS Systems Corp; Eden Prairie, MN, United States).

Techniques: