Figure 5

LVSEM of 20-µm sections with hook-holding procedure. (a) Image of the deep fascia and rectus femoris muscle of the thick paraffin section from the same block used in Fig. 4b. The deep fascia is separated into three layers from a 3D perspective. Squares in this figure are magnifications of these areas. Scale bar = 30 µm. (b) The first superficial layer of the deep fascia is composed of collagen fibers extending in various directions with round vessels repleting abundant erythrocytes. Scale bar = 10 µm. (c) The second intermediate layer underneath the first superficial layer is formed of straight and thick bundle. Scale bar = 5 µm. (d) The loose connective tissue is identified between the second and the third layer. Extensive networks of extremely thin fibers are noted. Scale bar = 3 µm. (e) The third deepest layer is formed by straight and thin collagen fibers. Slight undulation of the surface of the collagen fiber is observed. Scale bar = 3 µm. (f and g) The epimysium (arrowhead) is different from the third deepest layer and clearly connects to the perimysium (arrow). Loose connective tissue (#) is identified among the epimysium, the perimysium and the muscle. Scale bar = 10 µm.