ABSTRACT
The macroscopic mechanical properties of biological tissues such as cartilage and blood vessels are central to their functions and have been extensively investigated. However, knowledge of their mechanical properties on a microscopic scale is essential to fully understand the relationships between molecular structure and organization and mechanics, and thereby to assess the functional signicance of molecular changes occurring during development, aging, and disease. Through its ability to simultaneously visualize cells and the principal brous proteins of the extracellular matrix and elastin in living tissues without the use of exogenous contrast agents, nonlinear microscopy provides an invaluable tool in this endeavor. We illustrate this using results from our recent investigations on the micromechanics of articular cartilage, small arteries and veins, and adipose tissue.
