[Electron microscopy of elastic system fibers in the rat mandibular joint]

We study the Elastic System Fibers (ESFs) in the rat mandibular joint using light microscope and image analyzer system and Electron Microscope. The results showed that the ESFs in the articular disc and capsule were more than in the articular cartilage. In addition, microfibrils and elaunin were the principal ESFs in all the articular components. The microfibrils in the articular surfaces ran at nearly right angle to the collagen fibers. The ESFs beneath the articular surfaces and the other articular components showed no specific directivity. ESFs construct an extensive fibers network in the disc and the capsule.