Experiments in vitro on the Role of Movement in the Development of Joints

Abstract

It has been pointed out by Fell & Canti (1934) as a result of their experiments in vitro concerning the early formation of the avian limb skeleton and kneejoint, that the appearance of the articular rudiment is independent of the blood- and nerve-supply as well as of mechanical influences. These authors believe that the formation of articular surfaces occurs in consequence of the differential growth of the scleroblastema (the ‘Anlage’ of the limb skeleton, skeletal rudiment) the essential factor in joint formation being the association of undifferentiated tissue with the rapidly growing chondrification centres. They emphasize, however, that only the earlier stages of joint formation can be obtained in vitro; the conditions of cultivation are not adequate for the further development of the joints. The articular rudiment disappears by secondary fusion of the cartilages of the limb skeleton. Fell & Canti mention the possibility that though mechanical movement is not necessary for the appearance of the joint, it may be an important and possibly an essential factor in its subsequent development.