![]() composed of a basket-like network of collagen fibrils around the chondrocytes.territorial matrix (surrounding the pericellular matrix).considered to play a role in signal transmission.mainly comprises proteoglycans glycoproteins and non-collagenous proteins.pericellular matrix (adjacent to the chondrocytes).fixation of the perpendicularly arranged collagen of the deep zone to the subchondral bone plateīesides, the extracellular matrix of the articular cartilage is characterized by different regions based on chondrocyte proximity, which show distinctive features concerning content and fiber structure 1:.tidemark: separates the deep zone from the calcified zone.columnar alignment of the chondrocytes parallel to the collagen fibers and perpendicular to the surface.highest proteoglycan content, lowest water concentration.perpendicular arrangement of collagen fibers to the articular surface and subchondral bone.deep or basal zone (~30% of the articular cartilage volume).resistance of compressive loading forces.a low density of round or spherical chondrocytes.oblique or haphazard orientation of collagen fibers.intermediate or transitional zone (~ 40-60% of articular cartilage volume):.protection of deeper layers from tensile forces as shear stress.a relatively high number of flattened ovoid chondrocytes.dense alignment of collagen fibers parallel to the surface.superficial or tangential zone (~10-20% of the articular cartilage volume):.The articular cartilage is characterized by the following zonal anatomy 1,3: It is in close contact with other cartilaginous structures in some joints as menisci or articular disks, which consist of fibrocartilage. Relations and/or boundariesĪrticular cartilage is surrounded by joint fluid produced by the adjacent synovial membrane, or it is bordering the subchondral bone plate. When applied, these cause an immediate rise in interstitial fluid pressure and squeeze the water slowly out of the extracellular matrix creating a large frictional resistance due to its low permeability once the compressive loading forces subside, the interstitial fluid flows back in 1. The water that is bound within the extracellular matrix has an important role in buffering compressive loading forces. The main function of hyaline cartilage is the absorption and distribution of loading forces and, to a lesser degree, tensile forces while providing low friction on its surface to facilitate smooth movements 2,3. It does not contain any blood vessels, lymphatics or nerves 1,2, and it has a translucent, glassy pearl-white to bluish appearance 2. Like other types of hyaline cartilage, it is characterized by a simple anatomical structure and a firm consistency. The extracellular matrix consists of water, collagen, an amorphous ground substance of proteoglycan aggregates, rich in glycosaminoglycans and a small amount of non-collagenous proteins and glycoproteins 1,2. ![]() Articular cartilage is hyaline cartilage and is composed of a low density of chondrocytes surrounded by an abundant extracellular matrix. ![]()
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