Cartilage

Cartilage is a rather firm rubber material that covers the extremities of bones in normal joints. The primary function of cartilage is to reduce joint friction and, since cartilage can change shape when compressed, serve as a shock absorber for the bones.

Collagen is a primary component of cartilage since it represents 67% of it, and it also gives it its strength.

Collagen is a key component of cartilage, providing it with its strength. When the body's collagen production is reduced, cartilage production is affected and so are all the body's systems that contain cartilage.

Cartilage can change shape because it is composed of over seventy percent of water, which can be redistributed with compression or movement. Since cartilage does not contain nerves, in the beginning, you never feel pain when these changes occur. As collagen disease strikes as we age, this shock absorbing quality is reduced. That is why activities like running and jumping feel less comfortable as we get older.