Cartilage
A smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones where they meet to form joints, allowing them to glide smoothly during movement.
Extended Definition
Cartilage is a specialized tissue that acts as a shock absorber and provides a smooth, slippery surface for joint movement. In healthy joints, cartilage allows bones to glide over each other with minimal friction, making everyday movements comfortable and pain-free.
There are different types of cartilage in the body, but the type found in joints is called articular cartilage (or hyaline cartilage). This tissue is unique because it has no blood vessels, nerves, or lymphatic vessels. Instead, it receives nutrients from synovial fluid through a process of compression and decompression during movement.
When cartilage becomes damaged or worn—as happens in osteoarthritis—it cannot repair itself effectively due to its lack of blood supply. This is why cartilage damage is often progressive and why early intervention and joint protection strategies are so important for maintaining joint health.
Related Terms
More Anatomy Terms
View allAcetabulum
The cup-shaped socket of the pelvis that holds the head of the femur (thigh bone) in the hip joint.
Articular Cartilage
The smooth, white tissue covering the ends of bones in joints. Its breakdown is the primary feature of osteoarthritis.
Bursae
Small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, reducing friction during movement. Singular form is 'bursa.'
Bursa
Small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Bursitis (inflammation of a bursa) can cause joint pain similar to arthritis.
Femur
The thigh bone - the longest and strongest bone in the body. The lower end of the femur forms the upper part of the knee joint.