Читать книгу The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research - Группа авторов - Страница 306

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that is attached to the bone. The cartilage is more flexible than the bone but less flexible than the muscle. Presence of cartilage in the joints increases the flexibility of the joints and also increases their load-bearing ability. They have enormous mechanical ability, as the cartilage tissue is pliable. It is made up of cells called tenocytes. Cartilage is different from bone in that cartilage does not contain vasculature and it receives blood by diffusion. This makes the regeneration process slower, necessitating cell replacement and regeneration therapy.

Tendons and ligaments are also connective tissue. Tendons connect the muscle to the bone, and the ligaments connect bone to other bone segments. Tendons and ligaments serve to hold the support structure in place; in addition, they provide flexibility.