560 STRUCTURE OF THE SYNOVIAL MEMBRANES, BY E. ALBERT. 



sions between folds, into which the solution of silver has never 

 gained access. The folds are rendered uncommonly distinct 

 by the action of the nitrate of silver, and it may be shown that 

 the clear spaces resembling lymphatics correspond to the folds 

 that are visible even to the naked eye. 



The synovial sheaths of the tendons objects well fitted for 

 examination have the following structure: The matrix of 

 the duplicatures is composed of fibrillar connective tissue, in 

 which at certain points cartilage cells are constantly present. 

 Superjacent to these are serous canals, similar in arrangement 

 and form to those of the articular membranes. In some parts 

 the framework of the matrix is so slender as to suggest the 

 presence of epithelial structures. More careful observation, 

 however, shows that the relations are here the same as in the 

 zone of attachment of the articular synovial membrane. The 

 structures in question lie upon the same plane as the most 

 distinctly marked ramified structures ; and it is not difficult to 

 follow the lines of the matrix widening out and becoming 

 continuous with broad coloured areas. Putting aside the 

 cartilage cells, the lamelke passing as meso-tendons to the 

 tendons have the same structure as the above. 



Finally, the internal wall of the fibrous sheath has the same 

 structure as the surface of the tendon ; and in regard to the 

 latter I can only repeat what has been already stated by v. 

 Recklinghausen. The internal wall of the typical mucous sacs 

 or bursse, a few of which I have examined (in Man), exhibit the 

 same structure, and the same may be said, though from the 

 paucity of the observations, only with probability, of acquired 

 bursse. As the latter obviously arise from spaces in the con- 

 nective tissue, we have in the synovial cavities really a transi- 

 tion from simple cavities in the connective tissue to cavities 

 so organised that they stand next to the serous cavities. 



