Review article
Articular cartilage
Luka Ðudarić
; Department of anatomy, Faculty of medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia
Abstract
Cartilage tissue is a special kind of supporting tissue due to optimal biomechanical
properties, which are the result of specific biochemical structure of the intercellular matrix.
Three types of cartilage – hyaline, fibrous and elastic – differ in the structure of the intercellular
matrix and therefore in the physical properties. Arch-like distributed collagen fibers in
all layers, significantly contribute to the elasticity and strength of articular cartilage, or possibilities
for considerable reversible mechanical strain. The cartilage is avascular and without
sensitive innervations. Nourishment of the articular cartilage and consequently its vitality
depend directly on the activities of biomechanical forces, which ensure the diffusion of nutrients
into the cartilage from the synovial fluid. Because of the latter fact in the initial stages
of cartilage degeneration, symptoms of inflammation and pain are absent. With progression
of degenerative changes, daily biomechanical load on the critically thinned cartilage
leads to its disappearance, which ultimately results in joint dysfunction as in osteoarthritis.
Keywords
Articular cartilage; elastic cartilage; fibrocartilage; hyaline cartilage
Hrčak ID:
66090
URI
Publication date:
7.3.2011.
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