The Articular Cartilage of the Rabbit Knee: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Authors

Daniel Levanon, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Haim Stein, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

Abstract

The surface morphology of eight sectors in the rabbit knee articular cartilage was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Cartilage surfaces showed wide variation in the shape, dimensions , and density of gaps and acellular processes. Patellas and load-bearing condyles revealed a relatively higher density of processes than did load-free condyles. Surface processes and gaps were abundant. They might represent a condensation product(s) of hyaluronic acid/protein complex that accrues during cycles of loading/weight bearing.

Recommended Citation

Levanon, Daniel and Stein, Haim (1991) "The Articular Cartilage of the Rabbit Knee: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study," Cells and Materials: Vol. 1: No. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cellsandmaterials/vol1/iss3/8