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Histological features of endomysium, perimysium and epimysium in rat lateral pterygoid muscle

Y Sakamoto1

  • 1Department of Oral Anatomy II, Faculty of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.

Journal of Morphology
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

The connective tissue sheaths (endomysium, perimysium, epimysium) of the rat lateral pterygoid muscle vary regionally. Collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers are concentrated near the articular capsule and disc.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Histology
  • Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

  • The lateral pterygoid muscle is crucial for mastication and jaw articulation.
  • Understanding its connective tissue composition is vital for biomechanical and clinical studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution and fiber types of the endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium in the mature rat lateral pterygoid muscle.
  • To identify regional variations in these connective tissue sheaths.

Main Methods:

  • Light microscopy was employed to examine the connective tissue architecture.
  • Histological analysis focused on identifying collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers within the muscle sheaths.

Main Results:

  • Endomysium and perimysium were generally thin, primarily composed of reticular fibers.
  • Epimysium was thicker, containing both collagen and reticular fibers.
  • Near the articular capsule and disc, all three sheaths were thicker and contained collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers.
  • The perimysium subdivided muscle bundles, with aponeurotic regions noted in the inferior head.

Conclusions:

  • Connective tissue distribution and composition in the lateral pterygoid muscle exhibit significant regional specificity.
  • These variations, particularly near the articular structures, likely influence muscle function and biomechanics.
  • The presence of aponeurotic insertions in the inferior head suggests distinct functional adaptations compared to the superior head.

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