内容简介：
This broadly-based reference covers all aspects of both the normal and pathological degradation of the cartilage matrix - from basic descriptions of cartilage structure to potential treatments that promote repair or regeneration of damaged cartilage.;Focusing on cartilage of the articular surfaces, this book presents all of the relevant biochemical background material; discusses in detail the building blocks of cartilage, such as collagen, aggrecan, glycoproteins and proteinases; considers both the biochemical and mechanical characteristics of cartilage breakdown; analyzes the whole organism, tissue culture and cell culture; and reviews regulatory factors, including hormones, growth factors, interleukins and retinoids.