Please answer all the questions. 1. What is the primary function of articular ca
ID: 3509475 • Letter: P
Question
Please answer all the questions. 1. What is the primary function of articular cartilage on the ends of long bones? 2. What are proteoglycans (give one sentence answer only)? Briefly describe the relationship between proteoglycans, fluid movement, and compressive strength of cartilage. Cartilage is often referred to as a viscoelastic material. Describe what that means. What structural component is most likely the cause of this viscoelastic material property in cartilage? 3. What is the name for cartilage cells? Through what process do they receive nutrients? How is this process related to mechanical loading? 4. 5. As a follow up to the previous question, what might happen to cartilage if a person is placed on extended bedrest? Use the terms "proteoglycan" and "fibrillation" in your short response. 6. Label the layers of articular cartilage on the left of the image below:Explanation / Answer
1. The primary function of articular cartilage at the end of long bones is to provide smooth lubricated surface for articulation and helps in transmission of loads with low friction.
2. Proteoglycans are glycosylated proteins which contains covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains. They help in movement of molecules through extracellular matrix and acts as lubricant. Proteoglycan in carrilage helps in providing osmotic resistance to resist compressive loads.
3. Cartilage exhibits both viscous and elastic properties, hence considered as viscoelastic. Interstitial fluid flow and intrinsic matrix contributes to viscoelasticity of cartilage.
4. Cartilage cells are called chondrocytes. They receive nutrients though gel like matrix by diffusion. Mechanical loading stimulates the metabolism of chondrocytes and biosynthesis of molecules.
5. Carrilage begins to deterioate on extended bed rest due to decrease in proteoglycans and increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha, thus causing harm to rest of the body.