Articular cartilage

Definition

Articular cartilage is a smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones in synovial joints, providing a cushion and enabling smooth movement. This type of cartilage plays a crucial role in reducing friction during joint movement, allowing bones to glide over each other without damage. Its unique properties also help to absorb shock and distribute load during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Articular cartilage is avascular, meaning it does not have a direct blood supply, which makes its repair and regeneration slow when damaged.
2. This cartilage is made up of a dense extracellular matrix that contains water, collagen fibers, and proteoglycans, contributing to its strength and resilience.
3. In healthy joints, articular cartilage helps to evenly distribute loads across the joint surfaces during movement, preventing excessive wear on any single area.
4. As we age or through injury, the degradation of articular cartilage can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, significantly impacting quality of life.
5. Maintaining healthy articular cartilage is essential for overall joint function and mobility; factors like exercise, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight play key roles.

Review Questions

• How does articular cartilage contribute to the overall function of synovial joints?
  • Articular cartilage plays a vital role in synovial joints by providing a smooth surface that reduces friction between the bones during movement. This cushioning effect allows bones to glide over each other effortlessly, which is essential for the full range of motion in activities like walking or running. By absorbing shock and distributing loads evenly across the joint surface, articular cartilage helps to protect the underlying bones from damage.
• Discuss the impact of osteoarthritis on articular cartilage and joint health.
  • Osteoarthritis leads to the breakdown of articular cartilage over time, causing pain and inflammation in the affected joints. As the cartilage wears away, it can result in bone-on-bone contact during movement, which exacerbates pain and stiffness. This degeneration not only affects mobility but also compromises overall joint function, making it critical to address risk factors such as obesity and repetitive stress to protect articular cartilage health.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of damaged articular cartilage on an individual's mobility and lifestyle.
  • Damaged articular cartilage can have profound long-term consequences on an individual's mobility and quality of life. As the cartilage deteriorates, individuals may experience increased pain and reduced range of motion, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Over time, this can result in decreased physical activity levels, potentially leading to further health issues such as obesity or cardiovascular problems. Thus, preserving articular cartilage through preventive measures and early intervention is crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Related terms

Synovial Joint: A type of joint characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity that allows for a wide range of motion, with articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones.

Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where the articular cartilage breaks down over time, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Subchondral Bone: The layer of bone just beneath the articular cartilage, which provides support and is crucial for joint health.