Cartilage

 

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Top Contributors - Esraa Mohamed Abdullzaher, Lucinda hampton, Kim Jackson, George Prudden, Joao Costa and Sai Kripa  

Introduction

Cartilage is a type of supporting connective tissue . It is a firm tissue but softer and more flexible than bone .

Cartilage Structure 

cartilage matrix	cartilage cells
it is a firm gel that contain polysacchride derivaites called chondroitin sulfates which complex with protein in the ground substance forming proteoglycan .	chondrocytes are the only cells in the matrix and they occupy small chambers called lacuna .

- Cartilage separated from the surrounding tissues by perichondrium which consist of two layers :
1- Outer Fibrous Layer : Which provide protection , mechanical support and attaches the cartilage to other structures .
2- Inner Cellular : It Is Important in the growth and maintenance of cartilage .

Cartilage types

Hyaline cartilage	fibrocartilage	elastic cartilage
The matrix contain closely packed collagen fibers making it tough but slightly flexible . Example : Connection between ribs and sternum , nasal cartilage and articular cartilage ( which cover opposing bone surfaces in many joints ) .	The matrix contain interwoven collagen fibers making it durable and tough . Example : between spinal vertebrea and around the joints .	The matrix contain elsatic fibers making it flexible and reselient . Example : the auricle of the outer ear .

 

Mechanical Behaviour of Articular Cartilage

The mechanical behaviour depend on interaction of its component : proteoglycan , collagen and interstitial fluid .
In an aqoues environment , proteogylcans are polyanionic which means the molecule has negatively charged sites that arise from sulfate and carboxyl .
In solution , the matual repulsion of these negative charges causes the aggregated proteogylcan to spread out and occupy a large volume .

Exercise and cartilage health

Participation in certain sports appear to increase risk of osteoarthritis ( result from breakdown of joint cartilage ) .
Activities that involve torsional loading , fast acceleraion and decclaration , repititive high impact and high level of participation increase risk of osteoarthritis .
Racket and soccer may increase risk of osteoarthritis but swimming and cycling are not linked with increase risk of osteoarthritis hip .
Increasing risk of osteoarthritis are related to excessive exercise or abnormal joint loading  But some levels of loading and exercise are benfecial for joint health .

To Understand more about Cartilage

www.youtube.com/watch

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27828665

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27785001

References

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