The extracellular matrix of muscle - implications for manipulation of the craniofacial musculature

Successful adaptation of craniofacial skeletal muscle is dependent upon the connective tissue component of the muscle. This is exemplified by procedur es such as distraction histo/osteogenesis. The mechanisms underlying remode lling of intramuscular connective tissue are complex and multifactorial and involve extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, receptors for the ECM (integ rins) and enzymes that remodel the ECM (MMPs). This review discusses the cu rrent state of knowledge and clinical implications of connective tissue bio logy as applied to craniofacial skeletal muscle.