n
Superficial Zone
- nThin collagen fibers oriented horizontal to load
- nHigh tensile and shear strength
- nHigh collagen content
nMiddle Zone
- nThicker collagen fibers
- nAlmost random collagen orientation
- nHigh proteoglycan content
nDeep
- nLarge collagen fibers oriented vertical to load
nTide Mark
- nJunction between cartilage and bone
- nReduces stress riser at this interface
nCalcified Cartilage
- nCollagen fibers anchor into bone