[Truncated abstract] In this work a computer simulation program, similar to a finite element program, is used to study the relationship between skeletal tissue structure and function. Though other factors affect the shape of bone (e.g., genetics, hormones, blood supply), the skeleton adapts its shape mainly in response to the mechanical environment to which it is exposed throughout life. The specific relationship between the mechanical environment and the mechanical adaptation response of the skeleton is reviewed. Theories of mechanical adaptation are applied to the sites of tendon attachment to bone (entheses), the adaptation of generalised trabecular bone (i.e., Wolff’s Law of trabecular architecture), sesamoid bones that are often found where a tendon wraps around a bony pulley, and the internal trabecular structure of a whole bony sesamoid such as the patella. The relative importance of compression rather than tension in bone adaptation theories is still not fully understood. Some mechanical adaptation theories suggest that an overwhelming tensile stress at a skeletal location does not stimulate bone deposition, but would instead lead to bone resorption. The skeletal locations studied in this work were chosen because they have been proposed to be in tension. Computer simulations involving models are an ideal method to analyse the mechanical environment of a skeletal location. They are able to determine the mechanical stresses at, and the stress patterns around, complex biological situations. This study uses a two dimensional computer simulation program, Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (Flac), to analyse the stress at the skeletal locations, and to test theories of mechanical adaptation over time by simulating physiological adaptation. The initial purpose of this study is to examine the stress in the skeletal tissue in generalised trabeculae, anatomical sites where a tendon wraps around a bony pulley, in the trabecular networks that fill the patella, and at tendon attachments. A secondary purpose, that follows directly from the first, is to relate the results of these initial stress analyses to existing and hypothetical skeletal tissue remodelling theories, to suggest how the complex skeletal structures might be generated solely in response to their mechanical environment. The term “remodelling” is used throughout this work to refer to mechanical adaptation of bone, usually at a surface of bone, rather than the internal regeneration of osteons (Haversion systems)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2008. / Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed March 28, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 146-154).

Thesis (M.D.S.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Dentistry, 1985. / Some mounted ill. Includes bibliographical references (v. 1, leaves 206-227).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 2007. / Title from title page screen (viewed October 10, 2007). Research advisor: Joo L. Ong, Ph.D. Document formatted into pages (vi, 22 p. : ill.) Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-32).

Thesis (M.S.)--Brock University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-135). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis ( Ph.D.) -- McMaster University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 237-246). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University (Canada), 1991. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-11, Section: B, page: 5618. Supervisor: Henry P. Schwarcz.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University (Canada), 1996. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-10, Section: B, page: 6136. Adviser: M. J. McGlinchey.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / "August 2007" The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Includes bibliographical references.

Diss. (sammanfattning). Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2003. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.