ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
This paper is based on a study of bones from fifty-five (55) knee joints, ages ranging from newborn to ninety (90) years. Full details of techniques of specimen injection and preparation are given.The gross arterial and venous patterns in adult bones are identical with the patterns present within these structures which are largely cartilaginous at birth.The lower end of the femur is penetrated by radiate epiphyseal arteries around its circumference. These terminate in sinusoidal capillaries within the cartilage, the corresponding veins leaving along the lines of entry of the radiate arteries. No anastomoses exist between adjacent intracartilaginous vessels, their distribution in the epiphysis being segmental. The lateral superior genicular radiate epiphyseal arteries, for example, supply a relatively fixed segment of the lateral femoral condyle. This arrangement no longer exists when the ossific center extends to involve the sinusoidal tips of more and more vessels, effective anastomoses eventually developing between all vessels supplying the lower end of the femur.Analagous findings are reported in the tibia.The patella is penetrated at its center and lower pole by nutrient arteries.In adult bones a subarticular collecting vein system is orientated parallel to articular surfaces. Short venous stems of subchondral capillary loops drain into these subarticular collecting veins which then drain off at articular margins into tributaries of the main veins. These are original findings.
Additional Material:
5 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1091440304
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