Over the years, doctors have found some methods that can stimulate new cartilage growth. The cartilage cells known as chondrocytes do not often replicate or repair themselves, which means damaged or injured cartilage will not likely heal well without medical intervention. While cartilage is very beneficial to the body, it does have a drawback: it doesn’t heal itself as well as most other tissues. Steps like maintaining a healthy weight, practicing flexibility and strength-training exercises, and avoiding overtraining may help to reduce the rate at which cartilage breaks down. Unfortunately, cartilage breakdown can be a part of the body’s natural degenerative process. This condition causes severe pain in the back and often down the legs. Other times, a person may have a severe accident or back injury that can cause a herniated disk. This condition is usually due to degenerative changes that occur as a side effect of aging. When the gel-like material inside the cartilage disk protrudes through the outer cartilage, it’s known as a herniated or slipped disk. The condition causes uncomfortable chest pain. While the condition is usually temporary, it can become chronic. This condition occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed. Chondromalacia can cause bone to rub against bone, which is very painful. Factors such as injury, overuse, poor alignment, or muscle weakness can all lead to the condition. This condition, also referred to as runner’s knee, occurs when the articular cartilage over the kneecap breaks down. Some of the common conditions related to cartilage degeneration include: Chondromalacia patellae However, hyaline cartilage is considered the weakest of the three cartilage types.Ĭartilage can become damaged after an injury or through degeneration, which is wearing down over time. This cartilage type has many thin collagen fibers that help to give it strength. Hyaline cartilage appears slightly glassy under a microscope. The term hyaline comes from the Greek word “hyalos,” which means glassy. This hyaline cartilage is known as articular cartilage. A very thin layer of cartilage is also present on bony surfaces, such as over joints, to cushion them. This cartilage type is found in the larynx, nose, ribs, and trachea. Hyaline cartilage is the most common type in the body. It has thick layers of strong collagen fibers. These pads are vital to reducing friction in joints, such as the knee.ĭoctors consider it the strongest of the three cartilage types. Fibro or fibrousįibro cartilage is found in special pads known as menisci and in the disks between your spinal bones, known as vertebrae. This cartilage serves to provide strength and elasticity to organs and body structures, such as the outer ear. ElasticĮlastic cartilage is found in the ear and epiglottis (located in the throat) as well as parts of the nose and trachea. Three types of cartilage exist in the body: hyaline, fibro, and elastic cartilage. What are the different types of cartilage?
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