Characterization of soft tissue viscoelastic by Diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) (CAT#: STEM-MB-0860-WXH)

Introduction

Soft tissues are complex media, they display a wide range of mechanical properties such as anisotropy and non-linear stress-strain behaviour. They undergo large deformations and they exhibit a time-dependent mechanical behaviour, i.e. they are viscoelastic. The structural response of soft tissues plays an important role in their normal physiologic function. For example, soft connective tissues guide the motion of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular tissues mechanically regulate blood flow, and neural tissues (such as the dura mater) protect the delicate spinal cord by resisting harmful motions.<br />Viscoelasticity is the property of materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. Viscous materials, like water, resist shear flow and strain linearly with time when a stress is applied. Elastic materials strain when stretched and immediately return to their original state once the stress is removed.