Several types of physical stressors commonly affect tissues:
1. Compression: This type of stress involves pressing force on tissues, often seen in cartilage and bones. It can lead to cellular deformation and changes in the extracellular matrix. 2. Tension: Tension stress involves pulling forces that elongate tissues. Tendons and ligaments often experience this type of stress, which can lead to the realignment of collagen fibers. 3. Shear Stress: This occurs when parallel forces act in opposite directions, causing layers of tissue to slide past one another. Blood vessels frequently experience shear stress due to blood flow, affecting endothelial cell function. 4. Hydrostatic Pressure: This type of stress involves pressure exerted by fluids, commonly seen in tissues such as the intervertebral discs.
