Premium
The interrelation of fiber bundles in the anterior cruciate ligament
Author(s) -
Clark John M.,
Sidles John A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100080205
Subject(s) - anatomy , anterior cruciate ligament , slipping , ligament , materials science , blood supply , fixation (population genetics) , collagen fiber , biomedical engineering , fiber , chemistry , composite material , biology , medicine , surgery , geometry , mathematics , biochemistry , gene
The anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) of dogs, humans, and rabbits were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy after fixation in situ. In all species, the ACL was composed of multiple 20 μm‐wide collagen fiber bundles separated by columns of cells in fibrous capsules. These bundles were in turn grouped into fascioles of varied size. The fascicles were surrounded by thin membranous sheets that ran through the ligament forming single or multiple layers between fascicles. Splaying of the ACL at insertion was created by increased volume in the cellular intervals. Bending of the fiber bundles occurred in this region—which corresponds to the fibrocartilaginous zone. We propose that the cell layers accommodate compressive forces and the membranes allow slipping among fascicles without compromising blood supply.