Low-field one-dimensional and direction-dependent relaxation imaging of bovine articular cartilage

► Bovine articular cartilage was investigated by low-field 1D MRI at 50 μm resolution. ► Relaxation times T1, T2 reveal internal cartilage structure. ► Strong T1 variations are found, in contrast to high-field studies. ► Contrast agents allow the estimation of local GAG (protein) concentrations. ► Angular dependence of T2 indicates preferred collagen fiber orientation.