Abstract
Tendon biomechanics are governed by tendon structure. The collagen fibers’ “uncrimping effect,” which transforms their mutually nonparallel orientation to parallel in response to external force, underlies the range of tendon elasticity. The Golgi tendon organs control tendon proprioception. The mechanosensing proprioception may help to some extent protect the mechanical integrity of the tendon; in degenerative tendons, it could be expressed by pain. The tendon’s intrinsic structure may fail when the acute, chronic, or recurrent external load exceeds the tendon’s structural and mechanical resistance. The most significant factor leading to tendon rupture is excessive load, either acute or repetitive. When aging or a chronic illness is present, the magnitude of the excessive load is reduced.