Figure 3.

Matrix organization in the discal attachments. (A) Polarized light microscopy shows ring-like collagen organization in the superior aspect, mirroring collagen organization in the disc’s periphery. The inferior attachments demonstrate primarily anteroposterior organization. Scale bar: 500 μm. (B) Scanning electron microscopy confirms polarized light observations. Scale bar: 10 μm. (C) Schematic reflects overall alignment as observed in several images, at various magnifications (length of arrows qualitatively reflect degree of alignment).