The development of human digital tendons

The development of human digital flexor and extensor tendons from 40 days to 112 days of gestation is described. The differentiation of the cell, the formation of collagen fibrils, and their organization into a relatively complex tendon organ are described. This word was supported by a grant from the Graduate Research Fund of the University of Washington. (Materials were obtained from the laboratory for human embryos which is supported by N.I.H. Grant no. HD00836.) We would like to thank Mrs Bea Watts for secretarial assistance.

A fine structural study of the development of the chick flexor digital tendon: a model for synovial sheathed tendon healing

The development of the synovial sheathed flexor digital tendon in the chick was studied by light and electron microscopy in 12-day embryos to 22-day post-hatched chickens. Areas of specialized connective tissue differentiation were identified in this complex structure consisting of a lubricated synovial sheath, elastic vincula and fibrocartilaginous adaptations on the surface of the tendon. The presence of some of these specialized adaptations may be related to the specific types of mechanical forces and stresses applied to the developing connective tissue system. This model system appears to be appropriate for the experimental study of tendon injuries related to the human hand.

An analysis of self-differentiation of chick limb buds in chorio-allantoic grafts

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