Fig. 10. Elastic properties of extra-muscular connective tissues. (A) Time course of depressor mandibulae shortening, which equals total stretch of extra-muscular connective tissues at the origin and insertion, measured using digital imaging during in situ muscle stimulation. (B) Depressor mandibulae force vs depressor mandibulae shortening. The slope is equal to the spring constant of the extra-muscular connective tissues (k_e), which averaged 1300 N m^–1. (C) Relative depressor mandibulae shortening (L/L₀) as a function of relative muscle force (P/P₀). Colors represent different individuals (N=3). Black dotted lines in B and C represent mean for all individuals combined.