Abstract
Neural end organs in the human shoulder joint capsule were observed under a light microscope. The specimens were stained by an immunohistochemical method with the anti-protein gene product 9.5.
Three distinct neural end organs were identified: free nerve endings, Ruffini corpsules and Golgi tendon organ like-receptors.
Free nerve endings, which may function as pain receptors, were distributed widely in the capsule. Spray formed Ruffini corpuscles were distributed widely in the capsule. Spray formed Ruffini corpuscles were sporadically recognized in the fibrous layer. Golgi tendon organ like receptors, which were arranged like plaques side by side, were often located in the boundary zone between the fibrous layer and outside of the capsule.
It is of great interest that Golgi tendon organ like-receptors often exist in the anterior part of the joint capsule, suggesting that these proprioceptive receptors are related to the shoulder joint stabilizing mechannism.
