Water Content and Solute Diffusion Properties in Articular Cartilage

  • P. A. Torzilli
  • E. Askari
  • J. T. Jenkins
Conference paper

Abstract

All living tissues depend on solute transport for proper physiological function. Articular cartilage is no exception. Articular cartilage is, however, unique compared to most other biological tissues in that it lacks a vascular supply. All solute transport into and out of mature tissue must occur across the articular surface (in immature tissue vascular communication occurs at the subchondral junction)(Ogata et al., 1978). Nutrients enter across the articular surface and move through the tissue’s interstitial fluid space to nourish the chondrocytes. Deprive the cells of this mechanism and they will quickly die. Solute transport is not only important for nutrition but also essential for proper physicochemical balance and biomechanical function. Metabolic waste products are removed from the tissue by excretion across the articular surface. Other cellular products, such as those necessary for collagen and proteoglycan construction, must also move freely throughout the tissue matrix to repair and replenish the tissue’s structural matrix.

Keywords

Articular Cartilage Articular Surface Solute Transport Interstitial Water Solute Diffusion 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1990

Authors and Affiliations

  • P. A. Torzilli
  • E. Askari
  • J. T. Jenkins

There are no affiliations available

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