Biomechanics of isolated myelinated nerve as related to brain injury

K. E. Saatman, L. E. Thibault, D. F. Meaney

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Single myelinated nerves are stressed to study the tolerance of the nerve to dynamic injury. A system is described that applies a controlled displacement pulse to an isolated nerve fiber and measures the axial force generated in the nerve. Elongations of 10-25% over 6-10 milliseconds resulted in forces from 30 mg (29 dynes) to more than 100 mg (98 dynes). Force-displacement data collected during nerve deformation indicates that the nerve behaves as a viscoelastic material. Nerve fiber tolerance for quasi-static elongation was considerably greater than the dynamic stretch tolerance. This dynamic stretch tolerance is discussed in relation to a proposed mechanism for axonal damage seen in traumatic brain injury.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication1992 Advances in Bioengineering
Pages549-552
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 1992
EventWinter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Anaheim, CA, USA
Duration: Nov 8 1992Nov 13 1992

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Bioengineering Division (Publication) BED
Volume22

Conference

ConferenceWinter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
CityAnaheim, CA, USA
Period11/8/9211/13/92

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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