[Structure and function of the fibrous structure of articular cartilage].

Structure of the articular cartilage fibrous stroma in the mature rabbit femoral heads has been studied and described by means demasking of fibres, of electron microscopy and polarization microscopy. A new scheme on the articular cartilage fibrous stroma structure is suggested, which differs from that of Benninghoff. A single fibrous cartilage framework consists of, at least, three networks of fibres directed to different sides. The role of every stromal part is interpreted in the whole function of the tissue.