Paper 6: Physical Characteristics of Articular Cartilage

Abstract
Since articular cartilage is the principal wear resisting tissue in animal joints, an understanding of its physical behaviour is of particular importance in studies of animal joint lubrication. This review is concerned with the physical factors involved in rheology of cartilage. Particular attention is paid to the physico-chemical properties of its matrix and to the nature of forces acting between its liquid and solid components. The experimental work reviewed includes studies of the interrelations between stress, strain, fluid flow, and time during compression and swelling of the tissue, and of transport of liquid through the matrix. The mechanism which controls the behaviour of cartilage during compression and swelling is discussed.

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