Figure 8. Representative histological images and mechanical properties of whole TMJ discs.

(A) Representative sagittal sections incorporating anterior (A), central (C), and posterior regions (P) stained using H&E, Safranin O, and Sirius red, are displayed for fresh, slow-frozen (SF), and 3-hour vitrified (3 Hr Vit). Magnification: 2×. Scale bars represent 2 mm. The corresponding magnified views of the anterior (B), central (C), and posterior regions (D) are displayed at 20× magnification with 200 μm scale bars. The polarized light images, along with their corresponding brightfield counterparts, were captured at 20× with 200 μm scale bars. Location-dependent equilibrium contact modulus (E) and permeability (F) of the superficial layer for fresh (N≥3; n=59 total), SF (N≥3; n=23 total), and 3-hour vitrified TMJ discs (N≥3; n=26 total), were obtained through microindentation tests. p-value determined with a two-sided t-test. N = number of independent TMJ discs; n = number of measurements. Data are mean ± SD.