Articular cartilage

Articular cartilage is a specialized layer of hyaline cartilage covering bone ends in synovial joints. Its smooth, hydrated surface helps distribute loads and permits low-friction movement.

Hyaline cartilage: Hyaline cartilage is a smooth, resilient connective tissue with a collagen-rich extracellular matrix. Articular cartilage is the joint-surface form of this broader cartilage type.
Type II collagen: Type II collagen is the principal fibrillar collagen in hyaline cartilage, forming a network that resists tensile stress. Its fibrils constrain the swelling matrix and help cartilage resist shear and tension.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a joint disease involving cartilage deterioration and changes in adjacent bone and other tissues. Progressive cartilage damage is a defining feature of this common joint disease.
Fibrocartilage: Fibrocartilage is a dense cartilage type rich in thick collagen bundles and adapted to resist compression and tension. Unlike articular hyaline cartilage, it occurs in structures such as menisci and intervertebral discs.
Chondrocyte: A chondrocyte is a cartilage cell that produces and maintains the surrounding extracellular matrix. These cells sustain the matrix that gives articular cartilage its mechanical properties.
Proteoglycan: A proteoglycan is a molecule consisting of a core protein bearing one or more glycosaminoglycan chains. Proteoglycans, especially aggrecan, give cartilage matrix much of its water-retaining capacity.
Chondral defect: A chondral defect is a localized area of damage to the cartilage covering a joint surface. Focal defects interrupt the normally continuous articular surface.
Elastic cartilage: Elastic cartilage is cartilage rich in elastic fibers, allowing flexible shape retention. Its elastic fiber network differs from the matrix of joint-surface cartilage.
Extracellular matrix: The extracellular matrix is the network of molecules outside cells that provides structural and biochemical support. Its collagen and proteoglycans form the load-bearing framework of the cartilage.
Glycosaminoglycan: A glycosaminoglycan is a long, negatively charged carbohydrate chain found in extracellular matrices. Its charge attracts water, contributing to cartilage’s resistance to compression.

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