title: A more detailed mechanism to explain the "bands of Fontana" in peripheral nerves.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 1779, Fontana identified transverse and oblique bands along peripheral nerves. Subsequent studies pointed alternatively to endoneural or perineural components as the cause. Our aim was to clarify these conflicting findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Recoiling of the bands of Fontana was video-recorded in the rat sciatic nerve. Computer-assisted design (CAD) software was used to model the nerve by interference figures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In vivo microdissection showed distinctive, black-and-white, closely packed bands in the perineurium, which differed from the widely spaced, translucent, dark/pale gray, staggered bands in the endoneurium. CAD merging of these 2 patterns produced images resembling the bands observed in vivo.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two repetitive structures with different characteristics, 1 in the perineurium and the other in the endoneurium, merge to give the appearance of these bands.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Ortopedica, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli 8, I-00168 Roma, Italy. antonio.merolli@rm.unicatt.it
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Merolli
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mingarelli
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rocchi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009445:Neuroanatomy / Q000379:methods*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*