Cartilajul

Cartilajul is the Romanian term for cartilage, a flexible connective tissue that forms a major part of the skeleton in many animals, including humans. Its primary roles are to provide a smooth surface for joint movement, distribute loads, and support soft tissues.

Cartilage is made up of cells called chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, with a high water content. This matrix gives cartilage its resilience and ability to absorb mechanical forces. Most cartilage lacks blood vessels and nerves; nutrients reach chondrocytes by diffusion, primarily from the surrounding tissue or joint cavity. In articular cartilage, the outer layer typically lacks a perichondrium, which distinguishes it from other cartilage types.

There are three main types of cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most common and covers joint surfaces, the ends of ribs, and parts of the larynx. Elastic cartilage contains elastic fibers and provides shape and flexibility in structures such as the ear and epiglottis. Fibrocartilage is tougher and better at withstanding compression and shear, found in intervertebral discs, the pubic symphysis, and the menisci of the knee.

Cartilage develops through chondrogenesis, with growth occurring by both apposition and interstitial expansion during development; in later life, articular cartilage has limited capacity for growth and repair. Because of its avascular nature, cartilage heals slowly after injury, and defects can lead to functional impairment.

Clinically, cartilage health is central to conditions such as osteoarthritis and various chondral injuries. Treatments range from conservative management to surgical restoration strategies and tissue-engineering approaches aimed at improving cartilage repair and function.