Yes, cartilage is largely made of water; water is its most abundant component.
While cartilage isn't purely water, water constitutes a significant portion of its composition, specifically up to 80% of its wet weight. This high water content is crucial for cartilage's function, enabling it to withstand compression and provide a smooth, low-friction surface for joint movement. Around 30% of this water resides within the collagen fibers (intrafibrillar space), with a smaller amount found within the cartilage cells themselves (intracellular space). The water content contributes significantly to the cartilage's resilience and ability to distribute load.
