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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Tendon-Bone Interface (Enthesis) - Four-Zone Architecture and Healing

Musculoskeletal Biology

A basic science researcher is investigating why rotator cuff repairs have high re-tear rates (20-40%) despite surgical advances. Histological analysis of healing tendon-bone junctions shows formation of scar tissue rather than restoration of the native interface. The researcher examines the normal enthesis structure to understand the biomechanical and healing challenges at this specialized junction. Regarding the tendon-bone interface (enthesis) structure and healing:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Fibrocartilaginous entheses have a FOUR-ZONE architecture: Zone 1 (tendon with collagen I), Zone 2 (...

B

SHARPEY FIBERS are collagen bundles that insert into bone at 10-15 degree angles, providing strong m...

C

Enthesis healing FULLY RESTORES the native four-zone architecture within 4 weeks; Sharpey fibers ins...

D

Enthesis healing forms SCAR TISSUE, not native four-zone structure; this explains high re-tear rates...

E

FIBROCARTILAGINOUS entheses (rotator cuff, Achilles) occur at sites of HIGH COMPRESSION and have fou...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option