8.2 Primary Functions of Articular Cartilage

• Distribute joint loads over a wide area in order to decrease stress sustained by contacting joint surfaces
• Allow relative movement of opposing joint surfaces, while minimizing friction and wear
• Essential for growth and, development of bone
  • More cartilage in kids, transitions into bone with growth
  • Less important to engineers

[ ( slide credit: @Jastifer2010Cartilage ) ]