How Can Cartilage Maintain Its Function Even Though It Is

Question

How can cartilage maintain its function even though it is avascular?
A) Cartilage is only the thickness of a few cell layers.
B) Nutrients and waste products diffuse through the cartilage's matrix.
C) Cartilage has extensive blood vessels.
D) Cartilage does not contain living cells.
E) The perichondrium prevents any exchange of nutrients and waste products.

Accepted Answer

Cartilage can maintain its function even though it is avascular because nutrients and waste products can diffuse through the matrix. Cartilage cells (chondrocytes) obtain nutrients and get rid of waste products by diffusion through the extracellular matrix. This process is slower and less efficient than vascularized tissue, but it is sufficient to maintain cartilage function.