Osteoarthritis leads to the degeneration of which type of tissue?

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the articular or hyaline cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones at the joints. This type of cartilage provides a cushioning effect, allowing bones to glide smoothly over each other during movement. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage deteriorates, leading to increased friction, pain, and decreased mobility in the affected joint. As the cartilage breaks down, it can also lead to bone changes and inflammation in the surrounding tissues, further complicating the condition.

In contrast, bone marrow, synovial fluid, and muscle fibers do not experience the direct degenerative changes caused by osteoarthritis in the same way that articular cartilage does. Bone marrow is involved in blood cell production and is not primarily affected by arthritis. Synovial fluid serves to lubricate the joint, but its composition might be altered as a result of osteoarthritis rather than facing degeneration itself. Muscle fibers can be influenced by a lack of activity due to joint pain but are not the target of osteoarthritis-related degeneration.