Cartilage, tendon and ligament

Question 1

What are the three different types of cartilage? Provide an example location in the body

Answer 1

1) Articular cartilage: knee, hip and shoulder joints
2) Costal cartilage: connects the ribs to the sternum
3) Fibrocartilage: intervertebral discs of the spine

Question 2

What are the two primary functions of articular cartilage?

Answer 2

1) provide smooth joint surfaces - allows bones to glide smoothly against each other during joint movement.
2) Absorbing shock and distributing load - acts as a cushion and shock absorber within joints.

Question 3

Is the relationship between applied force on cartilage and the stress experienced by cartilage linear?

Answer 3

No, the relationship between the applied force on cartilage and the stress experienced by cartilage is not necessarily linear

Question 4

What are the two primary functions of proteoglycans

Answer 4

1) Providing resistance to compression
2) Regulating tissue hydration and flexibility

Question 5

How does the failure mechanism differ when ligaments are loaded fast vs slow

Answer 5

Fast loading - Brittle Failure, Reduced Energy Absorption
Slow loading - redistribution and realignment of collagen fibers, Plastic Deformation (permanent)

Question 6

Define hysteresis

Answer 6

Describes differences in mechanical behaviors during loading and unloading

Question 7

why is it important for tendons to have low hysteresis

Answer 7

• Efficient Energy Storage and Release
• Precise Force Transmission
• Increased Mechanical Efficiency
• Reduced Stress on Muscles and Joints