Soft but tough: Norman K. Poppen, MD, and the body's cartilage

The cartilage is not as tough as the bone, but it is no softie either. Orthopedist Norman K. Poppen, MD, is familiar with the cartilage and how it allows the entire skeletal system to perform some of its most important functions.

Norman K. Poppen. Image credit: altunderground.com

The cartilage is a connective tissue found in many areas in the human body, particularly in joints, in the rib cage, the ears, nose, ankle, knees, bronchial tubes, and in the intervertebral discs. It is quite common among other animals, particularly in cartilaginous fishes like sharks, rays, and sawfishes. It is naturally flexible, but is stiffer than muscles, and is not as rigid as bones.

Norman K. Poppen. Image credit: diabeteshypertension.com

The primary function of the cartilage is to provide support to various organs of the body without being as hard as bones. Experts like Norman K. Poppen, MD, note that the relative softness of the cartilage makes it an excellent cushion for bone joints. This means that the tissue plays a vital role in the smooth movement of the human body.

Norman K. Poppen. Image credit: health.rush.edu

Among connective tissues, the cartilage is the slowest to grow and be repaired. Needless to say, damage or complications can lead to serious problems. The gradual thinning of the cartilage can cause joint pains when moving, and is the underlying cause of arthritis. In the case of chondrodystrophies, the cartilage in the joints is ossified and is transformed into bone, causing symptoms roughly similar to those in arthritis.

Every component of a bodily system performs a specific function vital to the whole. The same is true for the cartilage. It may not be as tough as bones, but without it, the skeletal system would never be the same.

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