What happens to cartilage with aging?

What happens to cartilage with aging?

• A. Cartilage thickens
• B. Cartilage thins
• C. Cartilage remains the same
• D. Cartilage regenerates rapidly

Answer: (B)

With aging, cartilage in joints tends to thin. This happens because the cartilage matrix loses proteoglycans and water, and the cells that maintain the cartilage (chondrocytes) become less active. The result is reduced ability to cushion and lubricate joints, contributing to stiffness and a higher risk of degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. Cartilage is avascular, so its repair capacity is limited and it does not regenerate rapidly, which is why thinning rather than thickening or rapid regeneration is the typical aging change.

With aging, cartilage in joints tends to thin. This happens because the cartilage matrix loses proteoglycans and water, and the cells that maintain the cartilage (chondrocytes) become less active. The result is reduced ability to cushion and lubricate joints, contributing to stiffness and a higher risk of degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. Cartilage is avascular, so its repair capacity is limited and it does not regenerate rapidly, which is why thinning rather than thickening or rapid regeneration is the typical aging change.