Guest guest Posted May 22, 2002 Report Share Posted May 22, 2002 Nutrition of Cartilage Normal adult cartilage contains no blood vessels. Vascularization of cartilage could alter its mechanical properties. Furthermore, blood flow would be congested during weight bearing and exercise, with oxygen being replaced during perfusion, which would result in repeated damage to cartilage. To maintain cartilage as a structure that does not have blood supply, certain cells must make specific chemicals to keep this space healthy. Much evidence indicates that synovial, which lines the joints, is the major source of nutrients for cartilage. The fluid outside the joint of cartilage is continuous with synovial fluid, which allows solutes to pass easily from the synovial fluid into cartilage. Cartilage cannot survive without contact with synovial fluid. In experimental systems, simple agitation of synovial fluid results in nourishment of even the deepest layers of joint cartilage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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