Related Experiment Videos
Sensory nerve supply in the human subacromial bursa
1Department of Anatomy and Orthopaedic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|September 1, 1996
Summary
The subacromial bursa contains nerve endings crucial for shoulder proprioception and pain signaling. These findings highlight its role in regulating shoulder movement and responding to impingement.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neuroscience
- Anatomy
Background:
- The subacromial bursa is key to the shoulder's gliding mechanism.
- Understanding its neural components is vital for shoulder function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural elements within the subacromial bursa.
- To identify nerve types and their potential roles in nociception and proprioception.
Main Methods:
- Utilized silver impregnation and immunohistochemistry on autopsy and surgical specimens.
- Examined antisera for substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and protein gene product 9.5.
Main Results:
- Identified free nerve endings, Ruffini endings, Pacinian corpuscles, and unclassified nerve endings.
- Nerve receptors were concentrated on the coracoacromial arch, areas prone to impingement.
- A delta and C fibers showed immunoreactivity to substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, indicating nociceptive roles.
Conclusions:
- The subacromial bursa possesses nociceptive and proprioceptive nerve fibers.
- These neural elements likely contribute to regulating shoulder movement and sensing impingement.