Yes, cartilage is avascular.
This means that cartilage tissue lacks blood vessels. This absence of blood vessels is a defining characteristic and a crucial factor in maintaining cartilage's health and function. Nutrients and oxygen reach chondrocytes (cartilage cells) through diffusion from the surrounding perichondrium (in some types of cartilage) or synovial fluid (in articular cartilage).
The avascular nature of cartilage has several implications:
- Slow Healing: Because it lacks a direct blood supply, cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair. Injuries to cartilage often heal poorly and slowly, if at all.
- Metabolic Dependence on Diffusion: Chondrocytes rely on diffusion to obtain nutrients and eliminate waste products. This dependence affects the metabolic activity of cartilage cells.
- Vulnerability to Damage: Without the protective and restorative benefits of blood vessels, cartilage is more susceptible to damage from injury, inflammation, and degenerative processes.
The specific type of cartilage (hyaline, elastic, or fibrocartilage) can influence the extent of perichondrium presence and the source of nutrient supply but the core principle remains: cartilage itself is avascular.
