Biomaterials: Processing, characterization, and applications

Abstract

Biomechanics is the study of the mechanics of a part or function of a living body and of the forces exerted by muscles and external loading on the skeletal structure. Biomechanics dates back to ancient times where the study of arthritis was known to be induced by joint disease. But it is only at the beginning of the twentieth century that biomechanical studies of joint materials such as articular cartilage, ligament, and bone began. Living tissues have some similarities with conventional engineering materials although they usually have complex structures that make them more difficult to study. In this chapter, a description of the composition and structure of the main tissues found in mammals is given. The relations between composition, structure and biomechanical properties are presented for bone, cartilage, skin, tendons and ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels and arteries. Finally, some aspects of joint biomechanics are described. © 2009 Springer-Verlag US.