GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -It has a matrix that contains closely packed collagen fibers, making it tough but slightly flexible. It consists of a bluish-white, shiny ground elastic material, whose matrix contains chondtoitin sulphate, with many fine collagen fibrils and chrondrocytes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cartilage is a dense connective tissue composed of chondrocytes. It provides support and structure for the skeletal system. Three types of cartilage exist: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage.

Detailed explanation-3: -The cartilage matrix is composed of collagens (primarily type II collagen with minor collagen types IX and XI) and proteoglycans. Although a number of proteinases have been found in the arthritic joints (Nagase and Woessner, 1993), matrixins are considered to be key enzymes for the degradation of cartilage matrix.