Figure 3.

Meniscus matrix as seen with light microscopy (a) and with near-infrared, reflectance confocal microscopy (CM) (b–d). With CM, extracellular matrix appears generally hyperefractile, displaying hyporefractile striae that conform a zebra pattern. This zebra pattern is present both in the superficial (b) and in the intermediate-deep layers (c and d) of the meniscus, progressively increasing the width of its striae. Striae appear intersected by perpendicular fibrous tracts of greater refractility (d, arrow). Scale bar represents 100 µm.