Definition: Cartilage is the tough, flexible tissue found in many areas of the body, including the ends of bones at a joint, the bronchial tubes, the intervertebral discs (in your back), the ears and the nose.
Cartilage is an important structure composed mainly of a tough connective tissue and water; it has no nerve endings and no blood supply of its own. The smooth surface of cartilage allows bones to slide easily against each other and provides a cushion within joint spaces.
Injured, inflamed or damaged cartilage leads to abnormal joint movement and pain in adjacent structures, such as bone. Because cartilage has no blood supply, injured or damaged cartilage can take a long time to heal relative to muscle or bone. The main causes of cartilage damage include:
- Tears and injuries, such as knee meniscus injuries
- Genetic factors
- Osteoarthritis and other joint disorders
Also Known As: Articular cartilage, hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, fibrocartilage
Common Misspellings: cartilege, cartilige, cartlige
