What is the purpose of cartlidge in body?
Cartilage serves several important purposes in the body:
1. Load-bearing and support: Cartilage provides structural support and load-bearing capabilities to various parts of the body, such as joints, ears, and the nose. It helps distribute and absorb mechanical stresses and weight, contributing to the overall stability and strength of the skeletal system.
2. Joint function and lubrication: Cartilage plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of joints. It forms smooth, gliding surfaces on the ends of bones within joints, allowing for easy and pain-free movement. The cartilage also produces a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid, which reduces friction between the bones and nourishes the joint tissues.
3. Shock absorption: Cartilage acts as a shock absorber, cushioning and protecting bones, joints, and underlying tissues from impact and wear and tear. This shock-absorbing property is particularly important in weight-bearing joints like the knees and ankles, where it helps dissipate forces generated during movement.
4. Flexibility and elasticity: Cartilage provides flexibility and elasticity to certain body structures. For instance, the cartilage in the ear (the pinna) gives it the ability to bend and flex without losing its shape. Additionally, the cartilage in the trachea (windpipe) allows for expansion and contraction during breathing.
5. Growth and development: Cartilage plays a vital role in the growth and development of the skeletal system. During embryonic development, cartilage forms the initial framework for bones and later undergoes a process called ossification, where it gradually transforms into bone tissue.
6. Repair and regeneration: Cartilage has limited capacity for self-repair and regeneration. When damaged, it can initiate repair mechanisms to some extent, but its ability to regenerate is not as efficient as in other tissues such as skin or muscle. This limited regenerative capacity can lead to cartilage defects and degenerative conditions over time.