[Histological and histochemical studies of knee joint cartilage in human embryos]

The authors examined some age and topographic peculiarities in the occurrence and microscopic characteristics of glucosamineglycanes, glycogen, lipids, calcium compounds and collagenous fibres during the course of the embryonal development of man. The deposition of glycogen and lipids in chondroblasts after the third-fourth week of embryonal development was indicated as well as the appearance of glucosamineglycanes in the intercellular substance during the same period. The role of the same substances in the differentiation of the cartilaginous tissue was stressed. The authors pointed out the well manifested PAS-reactivity of the superficial layer of the periosteum as a typical peculiarity of this formation.