Cartilage lacks its own blood supply and relies on what for nourishment?

Cartilage lacks its own blood supply and relies on what for nourishment?

• A. Synovial fluid
• B. Blood vessels
• C. Lymphatic fluid
• D. Nerve impulses

Answer: (A)

Cartilage is avascular, so it has no blood vessels to supply nutrients. It relies on diffusion from the surrounding joint environment, primarily from the synovial fluid that fills the joint cavity. This synovial fluid bath delivers nutrients to the cartilage matrix and allows waste to diffuse away from the chondrocytes. The underlying bone may contribute nutrients near the cartilage, but the direct nourishment comes from the synovial fluid. Blood vessels don’t reach the cartilage itself, and lymphatic fluid or nerve impulses don’t provide nourishment. Movement and loading help drive fluid flow, enhancing nutrient exchange; when the joint is immobilized, nourishment to the cartilage diminishes.

Cartilage is avascular, so it has no blood vessels to supply nutrients. It relies on diffusion from the surrounding joint environment, primarily from the synovial fluid that fills the joint cavity. This synovial fluid bath delivers nutrients to the cartilage matrix and allows waste to diffuse away from the chondrocytes. The underlying bone may contribute nutrients near the cartilage, but the direct nourishment comes from the synovial fluid. Blood vessels don’t reach the cartilage itself, and lymphatic fluid or nerve impulses don’t provide nourishment. Movement and loading help drive fluid flow, enhancing nutrient exchange; when the joint is immobilized, nourishment to the cartilage diminishes.