Question

question 32
cartilage is slow in healing because:
a cartilage cells cannot reproduce
b cartilage cells are so far apart
c cartilage cells have very little blood flow
d cartilage tissue is so hard

Explanation:

Cartilage is avascular (has very little blood flow). Blood supply is crucial for delivering nutrients and immune cells that aid in healing. Without an adequate blood supply (unlike most other tissues), the healing process is slow.

• Option A: Cartilage cells (chondrocytes) can reproduce (though at a slow rate in mature cartilage), so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Cell - spacing is not the main reason for slow healing. Many other tissues have cells spaced apart but heal faster due to blood supply.
• Option D: The hardness of cartilage tissue (which is due to its matrix composition like collagen and proteoglycans) is not the reason for slow healing.

Answer:

C. cartilage cells have very little blood flow