Provide smooth joint articulating surface, shock absorber, aids in attachment of connective tissue to the skeleton. Lacks its own blood supply and depends on oxygen and nutrients from synovial fluid. Which tissue is described?

Provide smooth joint articulating surface, shock absorber, aids in attachment of connective tissue to the skeleton. Lacks its own blood supply and depends on oxygen and nutrients from synovial fluid. Which tissue is described?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Ligament
• C. Tendon
• D. Fascia

Answer: (A)

Cartilage forms the smooth, low-friction surface that covers joint ends and acts as a cushion to absorb shock during movement. Its semi-rigid, hydrated matrix provides a compliant yet resilient interface, and it also serves as a connective tissue bridge at sites where structures attach to the skeleton. A defining feature is that cartilage is avascular, lacking its own blood supply, so it relies on oxygen and nutrients diffusing from the surrounding synovial fluid. This dependence on synovial fluid explains both its nourishment mechanism and its limited ability to heal after injury. While ligaments, tendons, and fascia are essential connective tissues, they are vascularized and do not serve as the joint’s smooth articulating surface or primary shock absorber.

Cartilage forms the smooth, low-friction surface that covers joint ends and acts as a cushion to absorb shock during movement. Its semi-rigid, hydrated matrix provides a compliant yet resilient interface, and it also serves as a connective tissue bridge at sites where structures attach to the skeleton. A defining feature is that cartilage is avascular, lacking its own blood supply, so it relies on oxygen and nutrients diffusing from the surrounding synovial fluid. This dependence on synovial fluid explains both its nourishment mechanism and its limited ability to heal after injury. While ligaments, tendons, and fascia are essential connective tissues, they are vascularized and do not serve as the joint’s smooth articulating surface or primary shock absorber.