Which of the following statements is true concerning nutrition of articular cartilage?

a. Articular cartilage can easily repair itself due to its very efficient and effective nutritional system.
b. Nutrients are found in large proportions in the more superficial layers of articular cartilage.
c. Nutrients from synovial fluid can pass into articular cartilage when external pressure is applied.
d. All forms of joint loading will cause poor nutrition to articular cartilage.

ANS: C
Articular cartilage in adults is highly porous, but compression is necessary to allow for fluid
mechanics, which will provide nutrition to the multiple layers of the structure. Articular cartilage is
devoid of blood vessels in adults, and a movement of fluids caused by intermittent compression
and rest to the cartilage allows nutrients to be carried from the deeper layers, closer to the
subchondral bone (where there is a blood supply), to the more superficial layers.