Cartilage Anatomy and Function

Type of cartilage found in the ribcage, connecting ribs to the sternum.

Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant cartilage in the body, characterized by its glassy appearance and fine collagen fibers. It provides support and flexibility in various structures.

Elastic cartilage is known for its resilience and ability to return to its original shape after bending. It's found in areas where flexibility is crucial, like the ear.

Fibrocartilage is a tough and durable type of cartilage, containing thick collagen fibers for strength. It acts as a shock absorber in weight-bearing areas.

The space occupied by a chondrocyte (cartilage cell) within the cartilage matrix.

The connective tissue sheath that surrounds cartilage, providing nutrients and acting as a barrier.

The process of cartilage formation where new cartilage is added from the outside by chondroblasts in the perichondrium.

The process of cartilage growth where new cartilage is formed from within the existing cartilage by chondrocytes dividing and producing new matrix.

Groups of chondrocytes found in the lacunae, derived from a single chondrocyte.

The mature cell in cartilage that maintains the cartilage matrix and repairs damage.

The immature cartilage cell that produces the matrix of cartilage.

The substance that makes up the surrounding space of cartilage, providing support and flexibility.

A substance found in the cartilage matrix, responsible for giving cartilage its basophilic (blue-staining) properties.

The joint that connects the two sides of the pelvis, made primarily of fibrocartilage.

The part of the skeleton that develops from hyaline cartilage in the fetus.

The covering of connective tissue that covers the articular surface of bones, composed of hyaline cartilage.

The specialized hyaline cartilage that forms the growth plates at the ends of long bones, responsible for bone growth.

The rings that form the trachea, composed mainly of hyaline cartilage.

The flap that covers the trachea during swallowing, composed of elastic cartilage.

The ear's outer part, known for its flexibility and ability to bounce back to its shape, composed of elastic cartilage.

The joint that connects the jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, containing hyaline and fibrocartilage.

The substance a chondrocyte lives in.

The process of cartilage formation where new cartilage develops directly from mesenchymal cells, without an intermediate stage of hyaline cartilage.

The process of cartilage formation where new cartilage develops from pre-existing hyaline cartilage model.

The type of cartilage that forms the intervertebral discs, responsible for cushioning the vertebrae and absorbing shock.

The cartilage that forms the articular surfaces of movable joints, allowing bones to move smoothly against each other.

The type of cartilage that forms the 'Adam's apple', providing structural support and flexibility for the larynx.

The region of bone at the end, where the epiphyseal growth plate is located, responsible for bone growth.

Process of cartilage repair where cartilage is regenerated by chondroblasts, restoring the matrix.

The ability of cartilage to return to its original shape after being deformed, characteristic of elastic cartilage.

The lack of direct blood supply in cartilage, relying on diffusion for nutrients and oxygen.

The cells lining the synovial membrane, responsible for secreting the synovial fluid.

The fluid that lubricates the joint spaces and provides nutrients to articular cartilage.

The process where the cartilage is gradually replaced by bone, resulting in bone formation.

A type of cartilage that is characterized by dense fibrous tissue.

The matrix of cartilage is 'basophilic' due to its content of 'chondroitin sulfate' and 'glycosaminoglycans'.

The tissue that makes up the cartilage, composed of chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix.