Changes in the mechanical properties or rat tail tendon during postnatal ontogenesis.

The ultimate tensile strength, elasticity modulus and ultimate elongation of tail tendon in rats age 1-18 months were measured with an Instron tensile apparatus. An increase in all these parameters was observed during the period of maturation, with a later levelling off of the tensile strength and the ultimate elongation. The value of the elasticity modulus attained a maximum during sexual maturation, and then decreased and stabilized.