Which tissue lacks its own blood supply and depends on synovial fluid for nutrients?

Which tissue lacks its own blood supply and depends on synovial fluid for nutrients?

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

Answer: (A)

Cartilage lacks its own blood vessels, so it must receive nutrients by diffusion from surrounding sources. In joints, the nourishing fluid is synovial fluid, and chondrocytes rely on nutrients that diffuse through the cartilage matrix from this fluid. Regular joint movement helps push nutrients through the matrix and remove wastes, supporting this diffusion-based nourishment. Because there’s no direct blood supply, cartilage has limited healing potential after injury, since reparative cells and substantial nutrients come only from diffused sources rather than a blood supply. Tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia do have blood vessels that provide nutrients, so they’re not fed by synovial fluid in the same way and tend to heal differently.

Cartilage lacks its own blood vessels, so it must receive nutrients by diffusion from surrounding sources. In joints, the nourishing fluid is synovial fluid, and chondrocytes rely on nutrients that diffuse through the cartilage matrix from this fluid. Regular joint movement helps push nutrients through the matrix and remove wastes, supporting this diffusion-based nourishment. Because there’s no direct blood supply, cartilage has limited healing potential after injury, since reparative cells and substantial nutrients come only from diffused sources rather than a blood supply. Tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia do have blood vessels that provide nutrients, so they’re not fed by synovial fluid in the same way and tend to heal differently.