Figure 3

Histological properties of the sterno-clavicular articulation (SCA). A: Overview of representative cross section, B: illustration of manubrium sterni (ventral aspect), clavicle, scapula, and position of the representative cross section through the SCA (dotted line), C-E enlarged insets of A stained differently on subsequent sections. Panels A and C stained with Azan, D stained with HE, E stained following Masson-Goldner protocol. The articulation comprises solely irregular fibrous connective tissue. Neither elastic fibers nor cartilage or muscle tissue are evident. The collagen fibers do not form regular parallel bundles. No synovial cavity is present.