Stereoscopic vascular architecture of the adult rat femoral head.

We studied the micro-architecture of the rat femoral head using a corroding casting method described by Murakami in comparison with haematoxylin-eosin preparation and transparent preparation. Stereoscopic architecture of the microvasculature in the femoral head was finely demonstrated. Vessels in the metaphysis and the epiphysis were aggregated to form a lobular-like structure. The lobules were interconnected with each other by a few capillaries. A bigger vessel probably corresponding to a drainage vein was seen crossing the growth plate. Loop formations, from simple hairpin-like loop to a more complex loop with a glomerular-like aspect, were demonstrated in the metaphysis underlying the growth plate as well as in the articular surface of the epiphysis.