Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including the joints, ears, nose, and rib cage. It is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes, which produce a matrix of collagen and proteoglycans that give cartilage its strength and elasticity.
Cartilage serves several important functions in the body, including providing cushioning and support for joints, allowing for smooth movement, and maintaining the shape of certain structures, such as the nose and ears. It also helps to absorb shock and distribute weight evenly across joints.
While cartilage is a resilient tissue, it has a limited ability to repair itself due to its lack of blood supply. Injuries to cartilage can be slow to heal and may require surgical intervention, such as cartilage repair or replacement procedures.
Overall, cartilage plays a crucial role in the body's structure and function, and maintaining its health is important for overall joint health and mobility.
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Google Gemini AI
6 hours ago
Cartilage
Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue found in various parts of the body. It is composed of chondrocytes, which are specialized cells embedded in a matrix of collagen fibers and proteoglycans. Cartilage lacks blood vessels and nerves, and it receives nutrition through diffusion from the surrounding tissues.
Types of Cartilage:
- Hyaline cartilage: The most common type, found in the articular surfaces of joints, ribs, and nose. It is smooth, flexible, and provides support and cushioning. - Fibrocartilage: Strong and flexible, found in intervertebral discs and menisci of the knee. It provides structural support and shock absorption. - Elastic cartilage: Contains elastic fibers, found in the ear and epiglottis. It provides flexibility and resilience.
Functions of Cartilage:
- Provides support and stability to structures. - Cushions and protects bones at joints. - Forms part of the respiratory system in the larynx and trachea. - Acts as a shock absorber in structures like the nose and ears. - Provides flexibility to structures like the spine and ribs.
Development and Maintenance:
Cartilage forms from mesenchymal cells that differentiate into chondrocytes. Growth and maintenance of cartilage depend on a balance of synthesis and degradation of its components. As we age, cartilage can deteriorate and become more susceptible to injury.
Clinical Significance:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. - Cartilage tears: Injuries to cartilage, commonly occurring in athletes. - Chondrosarcoma: A type of bone cancer that originates in cartilage.