Cartilago perennis, also known as hyaline cartilage, is a type of cartilage that covers the ends of bones in joints. The spelling of this Latin term is pronounced "kar-ti-lah-go puh-ren-is," according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In this IPA transcription, the "a" sounds like "ah," the "i" sounds like a short "ih," and the "e" sounds like a short "eh." The stress is on the second syllable of both words, and the "r" in "perennis" is pronounced slightly rolled.
Cartilago perennis refers to a term used in anatomy to describe a specific type of cartilage found in the human body. The term is derived from Latin, where "cartilago" means cartilage, and "perennis" means everlasting or persistent.
Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is flexible and firm, providing support and cushioning to various structures in the body. Cartilago perennis specifically refers to the articular cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in a joint, facilitating smooth movement and reducing friction between them.
This type of cartilage is characterized by its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It consists of specialized cells known as chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix composed of collagen and proteoglycans. The collagen fibers provide tensile strength, while the proteoglycans contribute to the cartilage's ability to absorb shock.
Cartilago perennis is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels, and therefore relies on diffusion from surrounding tissues to obtain nutrients and remove waste products. This limits its ability for self-repair, and damage to this type of cartilage can result in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Understanding the structure and function of cartilago perennis is crucial in medical fields, as it plays a vital role in preserving joint integrity and promoting smooth joint movement.
Permanent cartilage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.