FIGURE SUMMARY
Title

How muscle contraction strengthens tendons

Authors
Glenn, N.O., Henry, C.A.
Source
Full text @ Elife

Muscle contraction is required for normal tendon development.

(A) During normal muscle development, contractions increase the amount of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen (green) and Thrombospondin (red), deposited in the developing tendon. These muscle contractions are also required for normal BMP signaling that prompts tenocytes (tendon precursor cells, blue) to elongate and extend complex protrusions (inset panels). (B) In the absence of muscle contraction, extracellular matrix deposition is decreased and tenocytes are rounded with shorter and less complex protrusions.

Acknowledgments
This image is the copyrighted work of the attributed author or publisher, and ZFIN has permission only to display this image to its users. Additional permissions should be obtained from the applicable author or publisher of the image. Full text @ Elife