articular cartilage

Normally articular cartilage is avascular, non-innervated, & highly hydrated. It is composes primarily of chondrocytes & extracellular matrix. The matrix contains proteoglycans for elasticity & collagen for resilience. The collagen is highly cross-linked, largely type 2 & smaller amounts of types 5, 6, 9 & 11. Chondrocytes regulate synthesis & degradation of matrix macromolecules. The chemical composition of adult cartilage matrix changes slowly with age.

References

Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998