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Human zygapophyseal joint capsule and synovial fold innervation
British Journal of Rheumatology
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Nerves within the lumbar zygapophyseal joint capsule may cause spinal pain. Researchers identified small myelinated nerves in synovial folds, suggesting a nociceptive role in pain signaling.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Histology
Background:
- The zygapophyseal joints are crucial for spinal stability.
- Understanding the innervation of these joints is key to explaining spinal pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed anatomy of nerves within the human lower lumbar zygapophyseal joint's postero-medial fibrous capsules and synovial folds.
Main Methods:
- High-power light microscopy
- Transmission electron microscopy
Main Results:
- Identified paravascular myelinated nerve fibers (0.2 micron diameter) in synovial folds.
- Observed small myelinated nerves (0.6-12 microns) coursing independently of blood vessels within the synovial folds.
Conclusions:
- The presence of non-vascular associated small myelinated nerves suggests a nociceptive function.
- These nerves may play a significant role in the clinical manifestation of spinal pain.