Which concept is linked to the irreversible deformation of tissues?

The concept linked to the irreversible deformation of tissues is plastic deformation. When a material undergoes plastic deformation, it is subjected to stress that exceeds its elastic limit, resulting in a change to its shape that does not return to its original form once the stress is removed. This behavior is crucial in understanding how tissues respond to forces, particularly in the context of injuries and rehabilitation.

Elasticity, on the other hand, relates to a material's ability to return to its original shape after the load is removed, so it does not involve irreversible change. Creep refers to the gradual deformation of a material under constant stress over time but is not associated with the immediate and irreversible changes seen in plastic deformation. Stiffness describes a material's resistance to deformation when subjected to an applied force, but it does not specifically address the nature of permanent deformity that plastic deformation encompasses. Thus, plastic deformation is the appropriate concept for understanding irreversible changes in tissue shape and structure.