Articular Cartilage

Structure
The articular cartilage is a pressure-resistant, partial-elastic supporting tissue. As a layer of up to 5 mm thickness it covers the bone-ends of flexible joints and has a white, glass-like appearance. Therefore it is also named, after the ancient Greek word for glass = hyalos, hyaline joint cartilage.

Basically, the hyaline articular cartilage is composed of cartilage cells, the so-called chondrocytes, and of an extra-cellular matrix. Besides collagen fibers and other structural proteins this matrix contains a large proportion of water. Healthy cartilage has a white, smooth surface. This smooth surface is very important for the function of the joint.

Function
The function of the articular cartilage is mainly to protect the underlying bone by absorbing pushes and forces (shock-absorbing function). With its smooth surface and its unique and complex structure, articular cartilage allows frictionless and pain-free movements of joints.