Cartilage composition

The musculoskeletal system consists of bones, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage, which work together to perform the structural and kinematic functions of the organism. These musculoskeletal tissues all have a composite structure of cells embedded in a matrix produced by the cells themselves. 

The latter issue was addressed more recently by Hamilton et al. who developed a trilayer composite consisting of CPP, articular cartilage (CEP), and NP tissue [125]. By sequential seeding of chondrocytes onto the CPP surface followed 2 weeks later by seeding NP cells onto the matrix produced by the chondrocytes, the authors were able to form a tissue composite construct. Although it appeared that the NP cells were able to maintain a rounded morphology, the interfacial shear load required to... 

Roberts S et al (1996) Transport properties of the human cartilage endplate in relation to its composition and calcification. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 21(4) 415 120... 

In the biomedical area, SPHs and SPH composites can be used to make various biomedical devices, such as artificial pancreas, artificial cornea, and artihcial skin, articular cartilage, soft tissue substitutes, cell growth substrates in tissue engineering, burn dressings, surgical augmentation of the female breast, or hemoperfusion in blood detoxification and in the treatment of uremia. 

Bones start to be formed in the embryo. Cartilage becomes impregnated with crystals of hydroxyapatite, a calcium-containing compound of the approximate composition Ca3(P04)2-Ca(0H)2. It is laid down by cells known as osteoblasts. 

The ECM has a very wide variety of functions it establishes mechanical connections between cells it creates structures with special mechanical properties (as in bone, cartilage, tendons, and joints) it creates filters (e. g., in the basal membrane in the renal corpuscles see p.322) it separates cells and tissues from each other (e.g., to allow the Joints to move freely) and it provides pathways to guide migratory cells (important for embryonic development). The chemical composition of the ECM is just as diverse as its functions. 

Wuthier, R. E, Lipid composition of isolated epiphyseal cartilage cells, membranes and matrix vesicles. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 409, 128 (1975)... 

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