Structure and function of articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage is characterised by a specialised extracellular matrix. On the one hand, different proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans increase the volume by binding water molecules, on the other hand, the three-dimensionally organised collagen network keeps the tissue together, which is the prerequisite for internal hydrostatic pressurisation. The main function of cartilage is to evenly distribute loads onto the subchondral bone surface and to provide an almost frictionless surface during dynamic loading. Although cartilage does not contain blood vessels, the metabolism is promoted by intermittent deformation. Because of the lack of regenerative capacity of the cartilaginous tissue, any disturbance of its morphological and functional complementary elements starts a cascade of destructive processes.