Cartilage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview
Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that provides smooth joint motion and helps distribute loads. It is an anatomy and tissue concept that is central to orthopedics, sports medicine, and rheumatology. Clinicians reference Cartilage when evaluating joint pain, injury, degeneration, and growth-related conditions. It is also a key target in imaging interpretation and in joint-preserving surgical planning.