Accessory cartilage is a term commonly used in the medical field to refer to additional cartilage structures that are not part of the typical anatomy of a joint. The spelling of this term follows the standard English pronunciation rules. The first syllable "ac-" is pronounced as /ək/ while the second syllable "-ces-" is pronounced as /ˈsɛs/. The last syllable "-sory" is pronounced as /ˈsɔri/. The word "cartilage" is pronounced as /ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ/. Thus, the full pronunciation of accessory cartilage is /əkˈsɛsəri ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ/.
Accessory cartilage refers to an additional type of cartilage that can be found in certain regions of the human body. It is a specialized form of connective tissue that plays a supportive role in the skeletal system. Unlike the primary or articular cartilage, which is found on the ends of bones within joints, accessory cartilage is usually located in areas where it acts as an attachment point for tendons, ligaments, or muscles.
This type of cartilage is characterized by its composition, which includes chondroblasts and chondrocytes surrounded by a matrix of collagen fibers and proteoglycans. It is less dense and more flexible than bone, providing cushioning and reducing friction in areas exposed to impact or stress.
Accessory cartilage can be found in various regions of the body, such as the sternoclavicular joint, temporomandibular joint, and costochondral junctions of the ribs. Its presence enhances the stability and function of these structures, allowing for smooth movement and resistance to wear and tear.
While accessory cartilage serves an important purpose, it is more susceptible to injury and degeneration compared to other types of cartilage. Trauma, repetitive motion, and aging can lead to its deterioration, resulting in pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
In summary, accessory cartilage is an additional type of cartilage found in specific areas of the body. It provides support, cushioning, and flexibility to joints or attachment points and is vital for the proper functioning of various anatomical structures.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "accessory" originated from the Latin word "accessorius", which means "additional" or "secondary". "Cartilage", on the other hand, comes from the Latin term "cartilago", referring to a type of connective tissue found in various parts of the body.
Therefore, "accessory cartilage" denotes an additional or secondary type of cartilage present in the body.