articular cartilage
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Introduction
Normally articular cartilage is avascular, non-innervated, & highly hydrated. It is composes primarily of chondrocytes & extracellular matrix. The matrix contains proteoglycans for elasticity & collagen for resilience. The collagen is highly cross-linked, largely type 2 & smaller amounts of types 5, 6, 9 & 11. Chondrocytes regulate synthesis & degradation of matrix macromolecules. The chemical composition of adult cartilage matrix changes slowly with age.
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References
- ↑ Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998