Articular Cartilage | articular cartilage function
DefinitionArticularcartilage[1]isfoundonlyindiarthroidaljoints(synovialjoints),andiscomprisedofhyalinecartilage[2]–aparticularlysmoothtypeofcartilagewhichallowsforeasyarticulation,increasedweightdistribution,andshockabsorption.ArticularCartilageExplainedArticularcartilage’sroleisoftenbetterunderstoodinpatientsinwhichithasdegenerated(usuallyduetotheageingprocessorintensivesports).Inflammationandfrictionwherethesurfacesoftwobonesrubagainsteachothercausepainandlimitedmobility.Inthelowerlimbs,th...
DefinitionArticular cartilage[1] is found only in diarthroidal joints (synovial joints), and is comprised of hyaline cartilage[2] – a particularly smooth type of cartilage which allows for easy articulation, increased weight distribution, and shock absorption.
Articular Cartilage ExplainedArticular cartilage’s role is often better understood in patients in which it has degenerated (usually due to the ageing process or intensive sports). Inflammation and friction where the surfaces of two bones rub against each other cause pain and limited mobility. In the lower limbs, the weight-bearing properties of articular cartilage are unable to properly distribute weight and the shock-absorbant characteristics of cartilage are lost. Any pain is not caused by damage to the cartilage itself, as cartilaginous connective tissues are aneural (without a nerve network). It is caused by the nerves surrounding the bony layers which are no longer protected by the cushioning effect of cartilag...