Scanning Electron Microscope Observation of the Fine Vascular Distribution in the Synovial Membrane of the Dog Knee Joint

Abstract

In order to study the fine three-dimensional distribution of the synovial vessels, resin casts of the synovial vessels of the dog's knee joint were prepared and observed under the scanning electron microscope.1. The synovial membrane lining the fibrous capsule has a vascular system of its own, and there are no connections between the synovial vessels and the vessels in the fibrous capsule.2. Various patterns of the capillary meshes are found according to the difference of the location in the vascular bed of the synovial membrane.3. At the cartilage border of the synovial membrane, the synovial vessels terminate in the characteristic capillary loops, which are conspicuously more voluminous than ordinary capillaries.4. In the synovial villi, various vascular patterns such as twisted cords, two-dimensional meshwork and three-dimensional arborization are observed.