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Articular Cartilage

The smooth, slippery tissue covering the ends of bones within a joint that allows for low-friction gliding during movement.

Key Facts

It is composed primarily of chondrocytes suspended in an extracellular matrix.
The tissue must withstand repeated mechanical stress throughout an animal's life.
Its health depends on proper hydration and matrix composition.
Degeneration of this tissue is the hallmark of joint arthritis.

Breakdown of articular cartilage directly causes the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

The matrix provides the structural and functional foundation for articular cartilage.

Chondrocytes are the living cells responsible for producing and maintaining the cartilage.

Synovial joints feature articular cartilage on opposing bone surfaces to reduce friction.