Definition

Noun: A type of cartilage that contains a dense network of thick collagen fibers embedded within its matrix. It is tougher and more fibrous than hyaline cartilage, providing both support and tensile strength. It is found in areas of the body that are subject to both pressure and shearing forces.

Usage

Fibrocartilage is a specific anatomical and histological term. It is used to describe a particular tissue type in medical, biological, and anatomical contexts. - It acts as a shock absorber in joints. - It forms structural support in certain body parts.

Examples

• The fibrocartilage in the intervertebral discs helps cushion the vertebrae during movement.
• The menisci in the knee are composed of fibrocartilage, which helps distribute load and stabilize the joint.
• A tear in the fibrocartilage of the labrum can cause shoulder pain and instability.

Advanced Usage

• Histological description: When viewed under a microscope, fibrocartilage is characterized by its chondrocytes (cartilage cells) surrounded by abundant, clearly visible collagen fibers, distinguishing it from other cartilage types.
• Pathological context: Degeneration of fibrocartilage, such as in the spinal discs, is a common cause of chronic back pain.

Variants and Related Words

• Fibrocartilaginous (adjective): Pertaining to or composed of fibrocartilage.
  • The intervertebral disc has a fibrocartilaginous outer ring called the annulus fibrosus.

Synonyms

• Fibrous cartilage (This is a direct descriptive synonym, though "fibrocartilage" is the standard technical term.)
• White fibrocartilage (An older, more descriptive term sometimes used in detailed anatomical texts.)

Related Phrases / Compound Terms

(Note: These are multi-word terms where "fibrocartilage" is a component.) - Intervertebral fibrocartilage: Another name for an intervertebral disc. - Circumferential fibrocartilage: A ring of fibrocartilage that deepens a joint socket, such as the glenoid labrum in the shoulder or the acetabular labrum in the hip.

Noun

1. cartilage that is largely composed of fibers like those in ordinary connective tissue