kõhrekudes

Kõhrekudes is the Estonian term for cartilage tissue. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in many areas of the body, including joints, the ear, the nose, and the trachea. It is composed of specialized cells called chondrocytes, which are embedded in an extracellular matrix. This matrix primarily consists of collagen fibers and proteoglycans, giving cartilage its characteristic strength and resilience.

There are three main types of cartilage: hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most common type, found in the articular surfaces of bones, the rib cage, and the respiratory passages. Elastic cartilage, which contains elastic fibers, provides flexibility and is found in the external ear and epiglottis. Fibrocartilage is the strongest type, with dense collagen fibers, and is located in areas that need to withstand significant pressure, such as the intervertebral discs and the menisci of the knee.

Cartilage plays crucial roles in the body, such as providing smooth surfaces for joint movement, supporting and shaping structures, and acting as a shock absorber. Unlike bone, cartilage lacks blood vessels, meaning it relies on diffusion for nutrient and waste exchange. This avascular nature contributes to its slow healing capacity. Damage to cartilage can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis.