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Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care 2006; 14(3): 168-180
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-942270
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Ultrastructural Insights into the World of Cartilage: Electron Microscopy of Articular Cartilage

S. Nürnberger1 , 2 , W. Klepal2 , V. Vécsei1 , S. Marlovits1
  • 1Medical University of Vienna, Department of Traumatology, Center for Joints and Cartilage, Vienna, Austria
  • 2University of Vienna, Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Vienna, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
02 November 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Articular cartilage has a hierarchical organization, which is based on the mechanical stress to which it is exposed. It functions as a gliding surface, as well as in force distribution and varies according to the kind and duration of mechanical demand. In order to understand articular cartilage biology and developmental or pathological variations, tissue morphology is an important and versatile tool. In the present overview, the fine structure of cartilage is presented and related to functional aspects.

Key words

hyaline cartilage - ECM - collagen - proteoglycans - joint - morphology - electron microscopy

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Mag. S. Nürnberger

Medical University of Vienna Department of Traumatology

Waehringer Guertel 18-20

1090 Vienna

Austria

Phone: +43/1/4 04 00 59 44

Email: sylvia.nuernberger@meduniwien.ac.at

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