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Uncovering the structure of the Achilles tendon: Why is it the strongest tendon in the human body?
The Achilles tendon, also known as the Achilles tendon, is a tendon located at the back of the calf and is the thickest tendon in the human body. This tendon connects the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) and soleus muscles to the calcaneus. As a strong structure, the Achilles tendon bears considerable loads during walking and running. According to medical research, this tendon can withstand a load of nearly 3.9 times body weight during walking and up to 7.7 times body weight during running.
The Achilles tendon is more than just a structure that connects muscle and bone. Its unique properties allow it to remain intact under extremely high pressures.
The history of the Achilles tendon
The name of the Achilles tendon dates back to 1693, when Belgian anatomist Philip Verheyen first mentioned the name in his book "Corporis Humani Anatomia". Verheyen noted that this tendon is widely known as "Achilles' rope" due to its association with the mythical story of the Greek hero Achilles. Legend has it that Achilles' mother only held his heel with her hands as she dipped him into the River Styx to make him less vulnerable to injury, which would later inflict fatal injuries on him in battle.
Detailed structure explanation
The Achilles tendon is not only complex in structure, but also has significant functionality. This tendon is located on the back of the calf and connects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneus. The size and shape of the tendon has an extremely important impact on human body movement. Its shape tapers from the middle of the calf and inserts just behind the middle of the calcaneus. The space under the tendon is filled with loose connective tissue and fatty tissue, allowing it to effectively absorb and disperse the force generated during movement.
The load-bearing capacity of the Achilles tendon is closely related to its spiral fiber structure, which allows it to effectively transmit force and adapt to high-intensity sports requirements.
Function and movement
The main function of the Achilles tendon is to assist the ankle in plantar flexion and plays a key role in activities such as walking and running. Through the pulling of the Achilles tendon, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles move the sole of the foot downward. This process not only enhances the stability of running, but also improves the movement efficiency of the human body. Research has also shown that the perception of vibrations in the Achilles tendon during movement has a significant impact on body posture adjustment due to stimulation of muscle spindles in the calf muscles.
Clinical significance
Inflammation and degeneration
Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness due to overuse, especially during exercise. Patients typically experience severe pain along with swelling of the surrounding tendon. This usually needs to be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy. Sometimes, using high heels or excessive exercise can aggravate the condition.
Tendon rupture
When the Achilles tendon ruptures suddenly, the injured person usually feels a strong pain accompanied by a "pop" sound, and it becomes very difficult to walk. This often occurs during sudden, powerful movements, such as jumping or rapid changes of direction. Treatment with surgery or cast immobilization is common practice in such cases, and preventive measures include appropriate warm-up exercises and strengthening of the calf muscles.
Cholesterol deposition
In some people with lipid metabolism disorders, cholesterol deposits may also occur in the Achilles tendon, causing tendon disease.
Comparison of other animals
The structure of the Achilles tendon is significantly different in other animals compared to humans. The Achilles tendon is relatively short or absent in African great apes such as gorillas, but is longer in arboreal apes. This structural difference has a direct impact on their athletic ability and speed. Computer models show that the presence of the Achilles tendon increases the efficiency of movement and significantly enhances running speed.
The development of the Achilles tendon not only allows humans to be more competitive in sports such as running, but also allows us to use our bodies more efficiently in daily activities.
As the strongest tendon in the human body, the Achilles tendon’s special structure and function are not only crucial to sports performance, but are also likely to reveal more mysteries about the human body in future medical research. As such an important physiological structure, how do you think the Achilles tendon can be better protected and strengthened?
