Skeletal Soft Tissue Physiology and Biomechanics

Catalog description

This course is concerned with the physiology and biomechanics of the skeletal soft tissues (cartilage, tendon, ligament, intervertebral disc). The course will examine how specialized connective tissue cells produce their matrices and organize them hierarchically into tissues with unique mechanical properties. How tissue and biomechanical properties of the various skeletal soft tissues are maintained in life or fail in skeletal disease will also be examined. Case studies and presentations of critical literature will be used to identify fundamental questions and directions for future research.