Knorpeliges

Knorpeliges is a German adjective used in biology to describe tissue or structures composed of cartilage. In English contexts, it corresponds to cartilaginous. Cartilage is a specialized, avascular connective tissue that provides support and resilience while allowing smooth movement in joints. The term is used across anatomy, pathology, and comparative biology to denote features that are cartilage-like in composition or function.

Cartilage consists of a sparse population of chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix rich in water, proteoglycans, and collagen, primarily type II. The matrix gives cartilage its tensile strength and ability to resist compression. Most cartilage is surrounded by a perichondrium, a connective tissue layer that supplies blood and cells for growth and repair, except for articular cartilage where this layer is absent.

There are three main cartilage types: hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most common and covers joint surfaces, forms the nasal septum, and constitutes the costal cartilages. Elastic cartilage contains more elastin fibers, providing flexibility as in the ear and epiglottis. Fibrocartilage has thick collagen fibers and high tensile strength, found in intervertebral discs and the menisci.

Developmentally, cartilage forms during chondrogenesis and grows by appositional and interstitial growth. In many bones, cartilage serves as a template for endochondral ossification during embryonic development. In adulthood, cartilage has limited regenerative capacity due to avascularity; injuries or degenerative processes can cause persistent pain and osteoarthritis. Treatments for damaged cartilage include microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and tissue-engineered substitutes, while research continues into stimulation of repair and regeneration.