Cartilage Anatomy and Physiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the main type of collagen found in hyaline cartilage?

Type IV collagen

Type III collagen

Type II collagen (correct)

Type I collagen

Which of the following is NOT a location where hyaline cartilage can be found?

Articular surfaces of movable joints

Larynx walls

Ventral ends of ribs

Metacarpal bones (correct)

What percentage of dry weight in hyaline cartilage is made up of collagen?

10%

20%

60%

40% (correct)

Which characteristic is true of hyaline cartilage when in fresh state?

Homogeneous and semi-transparent Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component that makes the matrix of hyaline cartilage basophilic?

Proteoglycans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM)?

To provide a framework that supports other tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for the mechanical integrity of cartilage ECM?

Hyaluronan Signup and view all the answers

What role does the perichondrium play in relation to cartilage?

It supplies blood and nerves to the cartilage. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes articular cartilage from other types of cartilage?

It is nourished by synovial fluid instead of a blood supply. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage is characterized by a presence of elastic fibers?

Elastic cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common location for cartilage?

Deformed bone tissue Signup and view all the answers

How does cartilage primarily respond to mechanical stress?

By maintaining structural integrity due to its firm ECM Signup and view all the answers

What happens to articular cartilage during arthritic degeneration?

It erodes and diminishes in structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason chondrocytes in cartilage receive nutrients?

Diffusion from the perichondrium Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for the semi-rigid consistency of cartilage?

Hyaluronan and GAG chains Signup and view all the answers

What role does cartilage play due to its high water content?

Serving as a shock absorber Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cartilage?

Contains a high density of nerve endings Signup and view all the answers

How do the physical properties of cartilage primarily depend on its structure?

Electrostatic bonds between molecules Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the human body is cartilage predominantly located?

Ends of bones in joints Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Type II collagen from Type I collagen in the context of cartilage?

Type II collagen contributes to the shock-absorbing effect Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about chondrocytes is accurate?

They have a fundamentally supportive role in cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the repair process of damaged cartilage in adults?

The perichondrium forms a scar of dense connective tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage is primarily found in the auricle of the ear?

Elastic cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the precursor for all types of cartilage?

Mesenchyme Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the structure of fibrocartilage?

A mingling of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the properties of cartilage?

Cartilage lacks capacity for repair and regeneration due to avascularity. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes elastic cartilage from hyaline cartilage?

The greater flexibility provided by elastic fibers. Signup and view all the answers

Where can fibrocartilage typically be found?

In the intervertebral discs. Signup and view all the answers

What role does mitosis play in cartilage formation?

It leads to the initial cell differentiation producing chondroblasts. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the acidophilic nature of fibrocartilage compared to hyaline cartilage?

Scarcity of proteoglycans Signup and view all the answers

In cartilage formation, what is the first indication of cell differentiation from mesenchymal cells?

Cell multiplication and density increase Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes elastic cartilage from hyaline cartilage?

Abundant elastic fiber network Signup and view all the answers

How does the arrangement of cells in fibrocartilage differ from that in hyaline cartilage?

Fibrocartilage lacks a perichondrium Signup and view all the answers

What type of matrix do chondroblasts produce during embryonic cartilage development?

Basophilic matrix rich in RER Signup and view all the answers

In terms of cellular characteristics, how do the central cells of elastic cartilage compare to those in hyaline cartilage?

They exhibit characteristics of chondrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the role of ECM in cartilage?

ECM surrounds chondrocytes, enclosing them in lacunae Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the perichondrium in cartilage development?

It provides structural support and nourishment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Properties and Characteristics of Cartilage

Cartilage is avascular, lacking blood supply, with chondrocytes obtaining nutrients through diffusion from the perichondrium.
Chondrocytes have low metabolic activity and there are no nerve endings present in cartilage.
The semi-rigid consistency of cartilage is due to negatively charged hyaluronan and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains within a dense meshwork of Type II collagen fibrils.
High water content allows cartilage to function as a shock absorber, relying on electrostatic bonds for its physical properties.

Cartilage Structure and Functions

Cartilage is commonly found in the respiratory tract, ears, nose, and joints, providing cushioning and support.
The perichondrium, a dense connective tissue sheath, surrounds most cartilage; it houses blood supply and forms an interface between cartilage and nearby tissues.
Articular cartilage covers bone ends in movable joints and lacks perichondrium, getting nutrients and oxygen from synovial fluid, making it vulnerable to arthritic degeneration.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline Cartilage: Most prevalent type; translucent and homogeneous, found in articular surfaces of joints, respiratory passages, and growth plates in long bones.
Elastic Cartilage: Similar to hyaline but with a dense network of elastic fibers, providing more flexibility; located in the auricle of the ear and epiglottis.
Fibrocartilage: A blend of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue, found in intervertebral discs and ligament attachments, provides tensile strength.

Hyaline Cartilage Specifics

Matrix is composed of nearly 40% collagen, primarily Type II, in a firm, hydrated gel of proteoglycans and glycoproteins.
During embryonic development, hyaline cartilage serves as the temporary skeleton, later replaced by bone.

Chondrogenesis (Cartilage Formation)

Cartilage develops from embryonic mesenchyme through chondrogenesis, starting with mesenchymal cells rounding up and proliferating.
Chondroblasts exhibit basophilic cytoplasm, rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum for collagen synthesis, and eventually become encased in lacunae as they produce extracellular matrix.
In adults, damaged cartilage is repaired slowly, primarily by perichondrial cells which can form scar tissue instead of new cartilage in severe cases.

Repair and Regeneration

Cartilage has limited capacity for repair due to its avascularity and low metabolic rate; slow regeneration may result in dense connective tissue forming instead of cartilage.

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Description

Explore the essential characteristics of cartilage, including its lack of blood supply and nerve innervation. Understand the role of chondrocytes and their methods of nutrient acquisition. This quiz emphasizes the unique properties that define cartilage as a specialized connective tissue.