Bone and Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering: The Biological Components

Bone and articular cartilage are two essential tissues within the human body.
Bone is a dynamic, highly vascularized tissue with a unique capacity to heal and remodel
without leaving a scar.
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These properties, together with its capacity to rapidly mobilize mineral
stores on metabolic demand, make it the ultimate smart material. Its main role is to provide structural
support for the body. Furthermore, the skeleton also serves as a mineral reservoir, supports muscular
contraction, withstands load bearing, and protects internal organs.
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On its side, articular cartilage
is essential to normal diarthroidal joint, because of its ability to reduce joint stress and surface
friction.
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It is then logical to say that major alterations in their structure due to injury or disease
can dramatically alter one’s quality of life.