Vascular pattern of the developing knee joint in the domestic fowl.

Laying strain fowls were reared from hatching till 20 weeks old. Birds were killed throughout the growth period and specimens from the distal femur and proximal tibiotarsus prepared for study. The origin and nature of cartilage canals were established in the two bone extremities. The canals follow a pattern of development which was similar in fowls of the same age. Similarities were noted with the vascular patterns reported in other species. The epiphyseal ossification centre of the proximal tibiotarsus formed in an area extensively perfused by cartilage canals. Anastomoses occurred between epiphyseal vascular canals in association with the formation and growth of the epiphyseal ossification centre in the proximal tibiotarsus. Anastomoses between epiphyseal vascular canals did not occur at any other site. The development of the epiphyseal ossification centre in the proximal tibiotarsus suggests that this is a traction epiphysis.