On the morphology of the terminal microvasculature during endochondral ossification in rats

The investigation was carried out on the proximal tibia metaphysis by means of India ink-injection, reconstruction, corrosion casting combined with scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy of thin sections. The terminal vasculature during endochondral ossification proved to be a labyrinth of interconnected sinusoidal complexes with bulbous buds invading the chondrocyte cavities of the growth plate. This system of vessels was canalized throughout. A special feature was the existence of endothelial pockets. The formation of the terminal microvasculature as a labyrinthine cavity during endochondral ossification, together with the still incompletely developed bone could be a weak point for compression injuries.