Fibrocartilage
Fibrocartilage
Fibrocartilage (pronunciation: /ˌfaɪbroʊˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/) is a type of cartilage that contains visible type I collagen fibers. It is found in regions where tendons attach to bones, and in the intervertebral discs of the spine.
Etymology
The term "fibrocartilage" is derived from the Latin fibra meaning "fiber" and the Greek khondros meaning "grain or granule".
Structure
Fibrocartilage is composed of a mixture of white fibrous tissue and cartilaginous tissue in various proportions. It is the only type of cartilage that contains type I collagen in addition to the usual type II. Fibrocartilage is found in the pubic symphysis, the anulus fibrosus of intervertebral discs, menisci, and the temporomandibular joint.
Function
Fibrocartilage has both the tensile strength of tendon and the compressive strength of cartilage. This makes it extremely resilient to tension and pressure, and less prone to injury compared to other types of cartilage.
Related Terms
- Cartilage: A resilient and smooth elastic tissue, rubber-like padding that covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints.
- Collagen: The most abundant protein in the body, it is necessary for the creation of skin, muscle, bone and tendons.
- Intervertebral discs: Each of the series of small, circular bones that form the backbone, having several projections for articulation and muscle attachment, and a hole through which the spinal cord passes.
- Tendon: A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.
- Anulus fibrosus: The tough circular exterior of the intervertebral disc that surrounds the soft inner core, the nucleus pulposus.
- Menisci: Two crescent-shaped discs of fibrocartilage between the articular surfaces of the bones in the knee joint.
- Temporomandibular joint: The joint of the jaw and the temporal bones of the skull on either side of the head.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fibrocartilage
- Wikipedia's article - Fibrocartilage
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