Changes in Connective Tissue

Fibroblasts are responsible for growth and regeneration of the connective tissue that makes up most of ligaments and tendons. With aging, the in vitro proliferative capacity and synthetic activity of fibroblasts decrease. These changes may at least partially explain why, with aging, tensile strength, elasticity, and regenerative capacity of ligaments and tendons decrease. As a result, ligaments and tendons are predisposed to rupture and prolonged healing time.

This topic was last updated May 2005.