Articular cartilage
There are several types of cartilage; however the cartilage found the end of long bones or in any joint is called articular cartilage. This is cartilage associated with a joint. It is unlike the cartilage which maintains the shape of your ear or nose. It has special biomolecular properties that enable it to absorb large quantities of water providing it with sponge-like characteristics.make it act like a sponge therefore containing high concentrations of water. Thus when weight is borne by the joint, the cartilage is able to absorb large quantities of concussive forces and protect the bone by acting as a shock absorber. It also has special properties in that the two opposing cartilage surfaces can slide very smoothly over each other allowing for normal joint motion. This cartilage needs constant nourishment which primarily comes from the fluid in the joint that is secreted by cells lining the joint capsule. If the cartilage is damaged through trauma, simple wear and tear, or there is inflammation within the joint, then the cartilage can degenerate over time ultimately leading to arthritis.