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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.
Acta Anatomica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
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.