Figure 2

Figs. 2A and 2B: Photomicrographs of light microscopic features of the annulus in a disc from a three month old infant (A) and a control disc from a 68 year old female (B and C). Arrows in A mark regions of prominent collagen crimping. In B note the presence of abnormal matrix encircling disc cells and decreased matrix in intraterritorial regions. In Fig. 2C a region of prominent focal loss of matrix is present near encapsulated cells. (A, glycol methacrylate embedment, Goldner's stain; B and C, paraffin with Masson-trichrome; X 980).