Histological Aspects of Articular Cartilage

S. Nürnberger; G. Brand; T. Jagersberger; V. Vécsei; S. Marlovits

doi:10.1055/s-2006-942284

Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care 2006; 14(3): 158-167
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-942284

Original Article

Histological Aspects of Articular Cartilage

S. Nürnberger¹ ^, ² , G. Brand³ , T. Jagersberger¹ , V. Vécsei¹ , S. Marlovits¹

¹Medical University of Vienna, Department of Traumatology, Center for Joints and Cartilage, Vienna, Austria
²Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research Unit, Vienna, Austria
³Medical University of Vienna, Department of Orthopedics, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Articular cartilage, because of the particular function in the vertebrate skeletal system, has a highly specialized organization. The biomechanical properties of cartilage rely largely on the nature of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, their three-dimensional arrangement, and the relative quantity of ECM in the tissue. Cells and ECM are closely functionally related, and their physiology and morphology are altered simultaneously with age, pathological influences, or alterations of mechanical stress. The cellular response to the environment and the variations of the ECM are morphologically discernible. The present article is intended to summarize the morphological features of articular cartilage from the histological point of view.

Key words

hyaline cartilage - ECM - collagen - proteoglycans - joint - morphology - histology

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Mag. S. Nürnberger

Medical University of Vienna · Department of Traumatology

Waehringer Guertel 18-20

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Austria

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