32 KEY INGREDIENTS UNDERSTANDING JOINT thematrixthatprotects HEALTH IN ORDER andsupportsourjoints TO TAKE IT FURTHER Freemotionjointsare The hyaline cartilage in synovial thekeystoourmobility joints is a very firm gel-like subs- tance that has a specific form and function. This cartilage contains As humans, we have about 350 water and a specific build-up of joints in our bodies. Among them molecules. are our synovial joints, a special subgroup that exists in different parts of our bodies such as shoul- ders, elbows, knees and more. They are also called free motion Collagen Hyaluronic joints,as they facilitate a wide acid molecule range of movements. Of all the types of joints in our bodies, our synovial joints are most often af- Proteoglycans fected by the negative impact of (= aggrecan, containing amongst others exercise. chondroitin sulfate) cartilageprovides thecushioning A joint consists of at least two The predominant matrix elements movable parts, or bodies. At the are: point at which they meet, bones • Collagen type II fibers: these are covered with hyaline cartilage, are the main structural component which provides cushioning and re- of cartilage, providing structure, duces friction as they slide over or firmness and resistance to com- against each other. Approximately pression; 60% of cartilage consists of a • Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): substance called collagen type II these are part of proteoglycans, the and 40% the other matrix elements. most important in cartilage being