Three-dimensional architecture of blood vessels of tendons demonstrated by corrosion casts.

Three-dimensional observation of the microcirculation of the tendon was readily and clearly demonstrated by preparing methyl methacrylate casts and observing them under the scanning electron microscope. In the muscles blood vessels made a network like a ladder surrounding every muscle fibre. The fibrous digital sheath had blood vessels made in a fine meshed cylinder. By microdissection of the vessels of the sheath the blood vessels of the vinculae and tendons were observed stereoscopically in relation to the peritendinous tissues. The casting method contributes to better understanding of vascular architecture of tendons.