Final answer:
Elasticity is the property of a material to deform slowly and nonlinearly when a load is applied and to return to its original size and shape slowly and nonlinearly when the load is removed. This applies to articular cartilage and intervertebral discs (IVDs).
Step-by-step explanation:
Elasticity is the property of a material to deform slowly and nonlinearly when a load is applied and to return to its original size and shape slowly and nonlinearly when the load is removed. This applies to articular cartilage and intervertebral discs (IVDs).The material is elastic if the stress is below the proportionality limit, but it exhibits plastic behavior if the stress exceeds the elastic limit. When stress is below the proportionality limit, an object or material is elastic and its deformation is proportional to the applied stress. However, if the stress exceeds the elastic limit, the material undergoes plastic behavior and does not return to its original shape and size.