Cartilage Physiology

Question 1

synovial joint structures:

Answer 1

tendons, articular cartilage, menisci, ligaments, fluid, bursae

Question 2

synovium:

Answer 2

soft tissue that lines bones; secretes synovial fluid; has 2 cell types (MLS and FLS)

Question 3

MLS:

Answer 3

macrophage-like synoviocytes

Question 4

FLS:

Answer 4

fibroblast-like synoviocytes; synthesize proteins

Question 5

synovial fluid:

Answer 5

hyaluronic acid and lubricant; reduces friction and enables nutrient exchange

Question 6

articular cartilage:

Answer 6

covers bones to reduce friction; avascular

Question 7

cartilage turnover:

Answer 7

production of enzymes to degrade cartilage and synthesis of new collagen, proteoglycans, growth factors

Question 8

aging cartilage:

Answer 8

decrease in chondrocytes, decreased water retention, glycosaminoglycans become shorter