The macrophage-specific antigen F4/80 has been localized in adult mouse bone and connective tissue. F4/80 positive cells form the centre of haemopoietic islands, line the periosteal and subendosteal bone surfaces and are a major component of connective tissue and the synovial membrane (presumptive type A cells). F4/80 is absent from fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts and a subpopulation of synovial lining cells (presumptive type B cells).