Changes of the elastin compartment in the human meniscus.

We report on the elastin, collagen and ground substance compartments in the human meniscus and their interrelationships. Elastin is found in neonates and shows both an arrangement parallel to the collagen fibre and into net-like structures. Branching, caliber inconstancy, rupture and the phenomenon of the "rubber band" are findings within the different forms of the meniscopathy. The function of the elastin compartment cannot be visualised without suggesting "puncta fixa". The morphology of the collagen-elastin-junctions has been described and their possible mode of function is discussed with the help of a model.