The cartilage is a rubbery material that covers the ends of bones and our joints. It is also found in many areas in the bodies of humans, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes and the intervertebral discs. It is not as hard and rigid as bone but is stiffer and less flexible than muscle.
The main function of a cartilage is to act as a shock absorber and reduce the friction between joints. It requires four things to stay healthy. Firstly, it requires water for nourishment and lubrication. Secondly, it requires proteoglycans to attract and hold the water. Thirdly it requires collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place, and finally, it requires chondrocytes.
Cartilage contains about 70 percent water. It acts as a shock absorber and nourishes the cartilage. Proteoglycans are a combination of proteins and sugar. They trap water in the cartilage and later redistribute it. Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally through the body in the skin, muscles, tendons and bones. It is made up of interwoven mesh of collagen threads that create a framework to house the other components of the cartilage. The proteoglycans are woven in and around the cartilage, thereby allowing cartilage to change shape when they are pressed. Chondrocytes are cells that produce new collagen and proteoglycans as they wear out.
Studies have shown that glucosamine stimulates the production of collagen, which is why collagen is used along with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to treat arthritis related problems. Sulfate of glucosamine and chondroitin are components of normal cartilage. They are the building blocks of proteoglycans and stimulate chondrocytes to produce collagen.
The functions of glucosamine and collagen are comparable to those of cement and bricks, which are key constituents of the cartilage. Glucosamine has also been shown to expedite the production of both collagen and proteoglycans. It helps to normalize cartilage metabolism, which helps the cartilage to stay in tact.
If the cartilage is damaged the collagen threads become weak and loose their nourishment. The proteoglycans tend to float away from the damaged collagen. Thus cartilage cannot withstand heavy shocks and might tear out completely. It is made to regain its original shape with the help of glucosamine and collagen supplements.
Unlike other connective tissues, cartilage does not contain blood vessels. Because of this, it grows and repairs more slowly.
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