senevæv

Senevæv, commonly referred to as tendon tissue, is dense connective tissue that connects muscle to bone and transmits muscular forces during movement. It is dominated by collagen type I, arranged in parallel-fibered bundles that provide high tensile strength along the direction of loading. The extracellular matrix also contains proteoglycans and a limited amount of elastin, all organized into a hierarchical structure from collagen fibrils to fibers and fascicles within the tendon proper. Tendon cells, or tenocytes, maintain and remodel the matrix in response to mechanical stimuli.

Functionally, senevæv functions to transfer force from muscle to bone, allowing joint movement and contributing to energy storage and release during locomotion. Its mechanical properties include high tensile strength and stiffness in the longitudinal axis, with relatively low resistance to bending and shear. Tendons can adapt to loading by increasing collagen synthesis and cross-sectional area, but excessive loading, aging, or disuse can compromise their integrity.

Vascularization in senevæv is relatively limited, especially in the central portion, leading to slow healing. Nutrient delivery occurs mainly through diffusion from surrounding tissues. Innervation is present and provides proprioceptive and nociceptive feedback, aiding movement control and pain signaling.

Clinical relevance includes tendinopathies (tendinitis and tendinosis), partial or complete ruptures, and degenerative changes associated with aging. Diagnosis combines clinical examination with imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatments emphasize gradual, targeted loading (often eccentric exercises), physical therapy, and, when necessary, surgical repair. Healing tends to be slow due to limited blood supply, with ongoing research into biologic and graft-based approaches to enhance repair. Common examples of senevæv include the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and rotator cuff tendons.