Shoulder: Normal Cartilage Function

The shoulder joint is a uniquely modified ball and socket joint that allows the arm to move in many directions.The bony surface of the humerus and glenoid are covered by a very specialized layer of cartilage, the cartilage is bathed in a fluid called the synovial fluid.This cartilage absorbs the stock of motion and allows the bones to glide across each other with minimal friction to protect the bone underneath.Because cartilage can't be seen on an x-ray it appears as space between the bones.

Medical Animations by High Impact Graphics. Learn more at HighImpact.com or give us a call at 800-749-2184.