[Scanning electron microscopy of the rabbit crystalline lens].

To study the relationship between the fiber process and suture line of the rabbit crystalline lens, the whole surface of each layer of the lens was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The interlocking processes are well developed within an area of 20 to 40 microns from the suture line and within an area of 600 microns in an extended direction from the end of the suture line. Lateral large processes are noted within 20-40 microns from the cortical suture and were extensively distributed within 600 microns on extended direction from the end of the anterior suture line. Ball and socket junctions were noted in the cortex, and globular patterns were noted in the fetal nucleus. As a result, the suture line is a center of the anatomic structure supported by the interlocking processes and lateral large processes.