physiology of cartilage

Question 1

cartilage

Answer 1

hyaline- skeletal: articular, costal, growth plate. extra-skeletal: trachea, larynx, nose

elastic-ear, epiglottis

fibrocartilage- meniscus, intervertbal disc

Question 2

function of cartilage

Answer 2

Smooth lubricated surface for articulation
Facilitate load transmission and low friction movement

composition
Cells
Chondrocytes

Extracellular Matrix
Macromolecules (collagen)
Water

Question 3

healing of cartilage

Answer 3

if wound does not break tidemark, no healing will occur

Question 4

cartilage tissue composition

Answer 4

• matrix, water, collagen, proteoglycans, proteins

Question 5

function of chondrocytes

Answer 5

Synthesize and maintain
extracellular matrix

Question 6

ECM function

Answer 6

Collagen – mainly Type II
Embedded in gel of proteoglycans

Hyaluronic acid chains with links containing
chondroitin and keratan sulfate

Protects chondrocytes from loading forces

Question 7

cartilage turnover

Answer 7

chondrocytes

degradation- collagenase, gelatinases

Question 8

cartilage healing

Answer 8

• injury must penetrate the subchondral bone
  hals by inflammation-repair-remodelling

Question 9

cartilage injury- treatment

Answer 9

-physiotherapy; muscle strengthening, weight loos

medical: pain management, NSAIDs, steroid injections

arthroscopy; operation

cartilage transplant; taking cartilage from non-bearing joints

joint replacement; remove worn cartilage and replace with synthetic material