Questions and Answers
What kind of tissue is cartilage?
An avascular tissue with an extensive extracellular matrix.
What type of cells are cartilage cells?
Chondrocytes
Where can chondrocytes be found?
In matrix cavities called lacunae.
What are the different kinds of cartilage?
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What is the perichondrium?
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What type of cartilaginous tissue lacks perichondrium?
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What is the purpose of hyaline cartilage?
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Hyaline cartilage has a glassy appearance; its matrix contains spaces called what? What do these spaces contain?
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What is an isogenous group, and what type of cartilage has isogenous groups?
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What produces the hyaline cartilage matrix?
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What are the components of hyaline cartilage?
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What promotes the resilience of hyaline cartilage?
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What are the different types of collagen molecules found in the hyaline cartilage matrix?
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Describe collagen type 2, the collagen molecule found in the hyaline cartilage matrix.
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Describe collagen type 9, one of the collagen molecules found in the hyaline cartilage matrix.
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Describe collagen type 10, one of the collagen molecules found in the hyaline cartilage matrix.
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Describe collagen type 11, one of the collagen molecules found in the hyaline cartilage matrix.
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Describe collagen type 6, one of the collagen molecules found in the hyaline cartilage matrix.
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What is a cartilage-specific collagen molecule?
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What is a proteoglycan monomer?
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What are the different types of GAGs (Glycosaminoglycans)?
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Chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate of the cartilage matrix join to a protein to form a proteoglycan monomer. What is the most important proteoglycan monomer of hyaline cartilage?
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What is significant about the most important proteoglycan monomer of hyaline cartilage?
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Study Notes
Cartilage Overview
- Cartilage is an avascular tissue characterized by an extensive extracellular matrix.
- Chondrocytes, the specific cells of cartilage, are responsible for the production of cartilage matrix.
Chondrocytes
- Chondrocytes are housed in matrix cavities known as lacunae.
- They exist in isogenous groups, indicating recent cell division.
Types of Cartilage
- Three primary types of cartilage:
- Hyaline cartilage (most abundant)
- Elastic cartilage
- Fibrocartilage
Structure and Function of Hyaline Cartilage
- Hyaline cartilage exhibits a glassy appearance with a matrix containing spaces called lacunae.
- Provides a low-friction surface, though its self-repair capacity is limited.
Matrix Components
- Hyaline cartilage matrix is composed of collagen, proteoglycans, and multiadhesive glycoproteins.
- Key collagen types in the hyaline matrix include types II, VI, IX, X, and XI, termed cartilage-specific collagens.
Collagen Types in Hyaline Cartilage
- Collagen type II makes up the bulk of collagen fibrils.
- Collagen type IX facilitates interactions between fibrils and proteoglycans.
- Collagen type X organizes collagen fibrils into a hexagonal lattice.
- Collagen type XI plays a role in regulating fibril size.
- Collagen type VI is located near chondrocytes, helping to attach them to the matrix.
Proteoglycans and GAGs
- Proteoglycan monomers consist of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) linked to a protein core.
- Major types of GAGs: hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, and keratan sulfate.
- Aggrecan is the primary proteoglycan monomer in hyaline cartilage, known for its high affinity for water, maintaining cartilage hydration.
Perichondrium
- Most cartilage is covered by perichondrium, a dense connective tissue with an inner layer for new cartilage cell production and an outer fibrous layer.
Special Cases in Cartilage
- Articular cartilage, epiphyseal plates, and fibrocartilage do not contain a perichondrium.
Summary of Key Features
- Resilience of hyaline cartilage is due to its hydration, consisting of 60-80% water bound to aggrecan-hyaluronan aggregates.
- Chondrocytes contribute to cartilage maintenance and matrix production, ensuring functionality within joints.
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Description
This quiz covers the important aspects of cartilage, including its structure, the role of chondrocytes, and the different types of cartilage. It delves into the matrix components and the specific functions of hyaline cartilage. Test your knowledge on this essential connective tissue.
