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FIG 9. Microscopic study in a 27-week fetal spine shows relation of meningovertebral ligaments to dura mater and to spinal canal walls.
A, Photomicrograph (Goldner trichrome stain; original magnification, x12) of a fetal spinal canal at the L1 level. Meningovertebral ligaments extend from the outer surface of the dura mater to the osteofibrous walls of the spinal canal in the lateral areas, representing perivascular bands (arrowheads), and in the median area of the posterior epidural space (arrow). The large box outlines the region of the epidural space that is magnified in B. The small box outlines the region that is magnified in C.
B, Magnified view (immunohistochemical stain for type I collagen) of the large box in A. The meningovertebral ligament anchors the dura mater (curved arrow) to the spinal canal (arrow) and surrounds small vascular structures (arrowhead).
C, Magnified view (immunohistochemical stain for type I collagen) of the small box in A. The meningovertebral ligament (arrowhead), mainly composed of type I collagen, is connected to the outer surface of the dura mater (arrow).
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