From the Research
No, cartilage does not have blood vessels. Cartilage is an avascular tissue, meaning it lacks direct blood supply. Instead, cartilage cells (chondrocytes) receive nutrients and oxygen through diffusion from the surrounding tissues and synovial fluid. This avascular nature is why cartilage has limited healing capacity when damaged. The absence of blood vessels contributes to cartilage's unique properties, including its smooth, low-friction surface that allows for joint movement. However, this also means that when cartilage is injured, the healing process is slow and often incomplete because the normal inflammatory and repair processes that depend on blood supply cannot occur efficiently. This is why cartilage injuries, such as those in knee joints, often require special treatment approaches and may lead to long-term problems like osteoarthritis.
The provided evidence does not directly address the question of whether cartilage has blood vessels. However, it discusses various topics related to vascular health and infections, such as the risk of bloodstream infections associated with peripheral venous catheters 1, the pathogenesis of catheter-related bloodstream infection with noncuffed short-term central venous catheters 2, the causes and clinical features of stroke 3, healthcare-associated bloodstream infections associated with negative- or positive-pressure or displacement mechanical valve needleless connectors 4, and the susceptibility of ePTFE vascular grafts and bioengineered human acellular vessels to infection 5. None of these studies provide information about the vascularization of cartilage.
In the context of real-life clinical medicine, it is essential to prioritize the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when making decisions. In this case, understanding the avascular nature of cartilage is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies for cartilage injuries and diseases, such as osteoarthritis. By recognizing the limitations of cartilage healing, healthcare providers can offer more informed guidance and treatment options to patients, ultimately improving their outcomes and quality of life.