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Mechanoreceptors in the human medial meniscus
M L Zimny1, D J Albright, E Dabezies
1Department of Anatomy, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
Abstract:
Medial menisci, obtained at autopsy, were sectioned into radial segments which were stained in bulk using a modified gold chloride method following pretreatment with Triton X-100. Segments were then sectioned on a sliding microtome at 100 microns, mounted on slides, dehydrated and coverslipped. Axons were seen penetrating from the perimeniscal tissue into the outer third of the meniscus with a heavier concentration at the horns. Neural elements were identified in the perimeniscal tissue and in the outer and middle thirds of the meniscus, but not in the inner third. The medial meniscus is capable of afferent input to the central nervous system of importance to the biomechanical function of the joint.
Insights
Nerve fibers (axons) were found in the outer and middle sections of the medial meniscus, but not the inner part. This suggests the meniscus plays a role in sending sensory information to the brain for joint biomechanics.
Area of Science:
- Knee joint biomechanics
- Histology of articular cartilage
- Neuroanatomy of the knee
Background:
- The medial meniscus is crucial for knee joint stability and shock absorption.
- Understanding the innervation of the meniscus is important for explaining joint sensation and proprioception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of neural elements within the human medial meniscus.
- To determine if the medial meniscus can contribute to afferent sensory input to the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy-obtained medial menisci were sectioned radially.
- Tissue segments underwent bulk staining using a modified gold chloride method after Triton X-100 pretreatment.
- Sections (100 microns) were prepared using a sliding microtome, mounted, dehydrated, and coverslipped for microscopic examination.
Main Results:
- Axons were observed penetrating the meniscus from the surrounding perimeniscal tissue.
- A higher concentration of neural elements was noted at the horns of the meniscus.
- Neural elements were identified in the perimeniscal tissue, outer third, and middle third of the meniscus, but absent in the inner third.
Conclusions:
- The medial meniscus contains neural elements, particularly in its outer and middle thirds.
- The presence of axons indicates the medial meniscus is capable of transmitting afferent sensory information to the central nervous system.
- This innervation is significant for the biomechanical function and sensory feedback of the knee joint.