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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2011 Mar 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2009 Aug 15;48(3):490–496. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2009.08.003

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Contributions of ECM components to myocardial mechanics. A Schematic diagram shows myocytes connected by collagen struts, large perimysial collagen fibers aligned with the myocytes, and proteoglycans associated with the collagen. B During passive uniaxial stretch, titin in myocytes initially bears most of the force as perimysial collagen fibers uncoil; once straightened, collagen resists further extension, protecting myocytes from overstretch. C The location and mechanical role of cardiac proteoglycans are unknown; however, observed mechanical changes during edema could be explained by increased hydration of the proteoglycans pre-stressing the collagen network, as in cartilage. D The pre-stressed collagen network would resist deformation at much lower strains, shifting the uniaxial stress-strain curve to the left.