Abstract
Cartilage represents highly specialised connective tissues. Three types are distinguished, which are found in different locations and differ with regard to the amount and arrangement of chondrocytes and fibres: hyaline (articular), elastic, and fibrocartilage. All three have in common a low metabolic rate, the absence of blood vessels, and the ability to grow. Cartilage consists of chondrocytes and a matrix, the latter is the bulk of cartilage mass. The matrix consists of collagens and proteoglycans and has a 60–80% water content. Cartilage is elastic and flexible and has a high tensile strength. This characteristic is mainly due to the matrix composition and architecture. Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type of cartilage and, for example, covers the bone surfaces of joints, hence the name articular cartilage.
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Pavelka, M., Roth, J. (2010). Articular Cartilage. In: Functional Ultrastructure. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-99390-3_151
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-99390-3_151
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
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