Table 1.

Total birefringence Δn [−] measured from the phase shift images of unstained 5 µm thick sections of young and old equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs, n = 6) and common digital extensor tendons (CDETs, n = 6). Measurements were performed in two regions: fascicles and the interfascicular matrix (IFM). Data were normally distributed and show mean ± standard deviation. Age groups were combined as the differences were insignificant with respect to animal age.

Tendon type		SDFT	CDET	Statistical significance
Birefringence Δn [−]	Fascicles	0.0043 ± 0.0005	0.0051 ± 0.0006	p = 0.06
	Interfascicular matrix (IFM)	0.0012 ± 0.0001	0.0013 ± 0.0001	p = 0.2
	Statistical significance	p < 0.00001	p < 0.00001	–