US Medical Term · anatomy
Cartilage
Cartílago
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cartilage |
| Spanish (Español) | Cartílago |
| Chinese (中文) | 軟骨 |
| Korean (한국어) | 연골 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Sụn |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kartilago |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cartilagem |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กระดูกอ่อน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 軟骨 |
What it means
Cartilage is a firm but flexible tissue found throughout the body that cushions joints and provides structure. The most important type for joints is articular cartilage, which covers the ends of bones where they meet, allowing smooth, pain-free movement. Cartilage does not contain blood vessels, making it slow to heal once damaged. When cartilage wears down over time — as happens in osteoarthritis — the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Cartilage also gives shape to your nose and ears, and is found in your windpipe and rib cage. Injuries and aging are the most common causes of cartilage damage.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor said the cartilage in my knee is worn down from arthritis.
El médico dijo que el cartílago de la rodilla está desgastado por artritis.
Can damaged cartilage in a joint be repaired or replaced?
¿Se puede reparar o reemplazar el cartílago dañado en una articulación?
I have pain in my joints because my cartilage is breaking down.
Tengo dolor en las articulaciones porque el cartílago se está deteriorando.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026