Question

Which change, if any, will most likely occur within the articular cartilage of the knee as a result of nonweight bearing for 2 months? Briefly explain why in 1-2 sentences. a. No change b. Cartilage thinning c. Decreased water content d. Increased collagen synthesis e. Increased proteoglycan concentration

Answer 1

Answer:

b. Cartilage thinning

Explanation:

  The joints of our body are lined with hyaline cartilage, a tissue with unique characteristics that can shape and make bones slide in perfect sync over each other. The cartilage tissue acts as a lining of the bony surfaces of the knee, preventing friction between them and also absorbing the impact we generate when we move.  

 The nonweight bearing or overweight can lead to a damage to this cartilage, which can cause pain, loss of movement, accumulation of fluid content in the knee and, in more severe cases, lead to cartilage thinning.