Describe what happens when cartilage undergoes compression. What are the factors that determine the ...

ANS: When cartilage is compressed, the protein molecules (proteoglycans and glycoproteins) release
some of the water content that is squeezed into or out of surrounding tissues. Collagen fibers may
permit deformation of the tissue. The proportion of fluid exuded and tissue deformation are
dependent upon the magnitude, rate, and duration of load. When a load is sustained for a period of
time, the permeability of the cartilage decreases over that time period. Similarly, the rate of
deformation is indirectly proportional to the magnitude of applied load. That is, for a unit
compression of 1, the cartilage deforms unit 1. For a unit compression of 2, the cartilage may only
deform an additional 1/2 unit.