Question

One of the pathophysiology students recognized hyaluronic acid (a component of the extracellular matrix) as a supplement she buys at the health store following a knee injury. Knowing what this substance is, the student shares with her peers that it:

Answer 1

Hyaluronic acid, a mucopolysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix, facilitates cell migration and maintains the compressibility of cartilage, particularly in joints, which can be beneficial in repairing tissues such as in a knee injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyaluronic acid is a mucopolysaccharide essential for the function and structure of the extracellular matrix. This substance contributes to the matrix's ability to facilitate cell migration, an important process in tissue repair and regeneration. Moreover, hyaluronic acid, along with chondroitin sulfate, plays a critical role in maintaining the compressibility of cartilage, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knee, by providing a cushioning effect and assisting in shock absorption.

In the context of injury or inflammation, products enhancing the levels or stability of hyaluronic acid in tissues can support healing processes. For instance, the hyaluronidase enzyme produced by pathogens degrades hyaluronic acid between adjacent cells in connective tissue, but the administration of hyaluronic acid supplements may help maintain the structural integrity of the affected tissues. It's important to note that chondrocytes, the cells forming cartilage, are embedded in a matrix rich in hyaluronic acid, as depicted in Figure 33.14 where they reside within spaces called lacunae.