What is the articular cartilage in a synovial joint?
Articular cartilage is formed at the end of epiphyses in the synovial joint cavity and permanently contributes to the smooth movement of synovial joints. Most skeletal elements develop from transient cartilage by a biological process known as endochondral ossification.
Where is articular cartilage?
In a joint, hyaline cartilage is referred to as articular cartilage. This is because the cartilage covers bones’ surfaces where they articulate, or meet to form the joint. For example, at the knee joint, the top of the tibia, the bottom of the femur, and the back of the kneecap are covered with articular cartilage.
Which joints have articular discs?
Disks are found in the temporomandibular joint of the lower jaw, the sternoclavicular (breastbone and collarbone) joint, and the ulnocarpal (inner forearm bone and wrist) joint. A pair of menisci is found in each knee joint, one between each femoral condyle and its female tibial counterpart.
What is articular disc?
The articular disc is a somewhat oval body of fibrous tissue, which is convex on its upper surface to accommodate itself to the shape of the articular fossa and concave on its inferior surface to conform to the head of the mandible.
What is the definition of articular cartilage?
Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. Healthy cartilage in our joints makes it easier to move. It allows the bones to glide over each other with very little friction.
How is articular cartilage formed?
Cartilage is formed from the mesoderm germ layer by the process known as chondrogenesis. Mesenchyme differentiates into chondroblasts which are the cells that secrete the major components of the extracellular matrix. The most important of these components for cartilage formation being aggrecan and type II collagen.
What are two functions of articular cartilage?
Articular cartilage is the highly specialized connective tissue of diarthrodial joints. Its principal function is to provide a smooth, lubricated surface for articulation and to facilitate the transmission of loads with a low frictional coefficient (Figure 1).
What is articular cartilage made of?
Articular cartilage is hyaline cartilage and is 2 to 4 mm thick. Unlike most tissues, articular cartilage does not have blood vessels, nerves, or lymphatics. It is composed of a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) with a sparse distribution of highly specialized cells called chondrocytes.
What is the function of articular cartilage?
Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. Healthy cartilage in our joints makes it easier to move. It allows the bones to glide over each other with very little friction. Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear.
What joints have articular discs?
When complete they are called disks; when incomplete they are called menisci. Disks are found in the temporomandibular joint of the lower jaw, the sternoclavicular (breastbone and collarbone) joint, and the ulnocarpal (inner forearm bone and wrist) joint.