SEM Of Bone Surface

The external surface of bone immediately adjacent to cartilage lining the knee joint of a marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) is observed by scanning electron microscopy. Many tendons, ligaments, and muscles make their attachments to the thighbone via collagen fibers. In this image, collagenous attachments arc downward from the knee joint capsule rim (top). A blood vessel opening is visible at the bottom right. Other visible features include the many bone cell spaces, which appear as little pockmarks, residing on the surface in this part of the bone.

The study of attachment structures is important to human health and function because of disorders, such as osteoarthritis, that involve these sites. In anthropology, the systematic study of attachment structures may contribute to our understanding of skeletal function in extinct primates.