**Core Concept**
Articular cartilage is a type of connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in synovial joints. It plays a crucial role in reducing friction, absorbing shock, and facilitating smooth movement. With aging, cartilage undergoes several changes that affect its structure and function.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Articular cartilage undergoes significant changes with aging, including a decrease in cell density, an increase in matrix degeneration, and a loss of proteoglycans and collagen fibers. This leads to a decrease in cartilage thickness, an increase in cartilage stiffness, and a reduction in its ability to absorb shock and facilitate smooth movement. The correct answer is related to the fact that articular cartilage does not undergo significant cell division with aging.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This statement is incorrect because articular cartilage does undergo cell division, but it is a very slow process. The main issue with aging cartilage is the loss of chondrocytes through apoptosis and the inability to regenerate new cells.
* **Option B:** This statement is incorrect because articular cartilage does undergo matrix degeneration with aging, leading to a loss of proteoglycans and collagen fibers.
* **Option C:** This statement is incorrect because articular cartilage does undergo a decrease in cell density and an increase in matrix degeneration with aging.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that articular cartilage does not have a significant blood supply, which makes it difficult to repair and regenerate. This is why cartilage degeneration is a common feature of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders.
**Correct Answer: A. Articular cartilage undergoes significant cell division with aging.**
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