MORPHOLOGY OF SYSTEM OF GAPS IN INTERNAL ELASTIC MEMBRANE OF MUSCULAR ARTERIES

The calcification of the internal elastic membrane of the human muscular arteries develops mainly on preexisting membran gaps. In advanced stages of calcification almost all gaps are lined by calcified, band-like parts of the membrane which can be demonstrated in large arterial segments by the v. Kossa technique. In most of the arteries of the lower and upper limbs (a. femoralis, a. brachialis, a. poplitea) the membrane gaps are arranged in a circular manner. They are connected by numerous smaller axially and obliquely orientated gaps. In some parts of the a. iliaca externa small longitudinal gaps prevail. In the upper femoral artery the membrane gaps are frequently arranged in a labyrinth-like pattern. The gaps in the internal elastic membrane occupy a considerable part of the inner surface of the muscular arteries. Their possible functional significance is briefly discussed. © 1968 Springer-Verlag.