This chapter discusses articular cartilage, the tissue that forms the surfaces of synovial joints. It highlights the structure, composition, and function of articular cartilage, emphasizing its role in enabling smooth joint movement and absorbing mechanical loads.Key points include:
- Composition: Articular cartilage is composed of an extracellular matrix (ECM) containing water, proteoglycans, and collagens, with chondrocytes distributed throughout.
- Structure: The cartilage is divided into four zones: superficial tangential, middle (transitional), deep, and calcified, each with distinct cell shapes, collagen orientation, and proteoglycan concentration. The ECM is further divided into pericellular, territorial, and interterritorial regions.
- Function: Articular cartilage provides a low-friction surface
