Scanning electron microscopic observations of the vascular structure of vertebral end-plates in rabbits.

Oki, S; Matsuda, Y; Itoh, T; Shibata, T; Okumura, H; Desaki, J · J Orthop Res · 1994

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We used scanning electron microscopy to examine the microcirculation in the vertebral end-plates of rabbits. The arteriola arborizes and swells at the end-plate and then coils to make a microvessel loop. This loop is the structure we refer to as a vascular bud. We suggest that these loop structures of the capillaries play a major role in the nutrition of the intervertebral discs.

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