Cartilage and Fibrocartilage Quiz

A layer of connective tissue surrounding cartilage, containing cells that can differentiate into chondroblasts.

Immature chondrocytes actively producing and secreting cartilage matrix.

Mature cartilage cells that reside in spaces called lacunae within the cartilage matrix.

Groups of chondrocytes that have recently divided and occupy a single lacuna.

The immediate region surrounding chondrocytes, characterized by high concentrations of sulfated proteoglycans.

Fibrocartilage is a type of cartilage that contains both cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and fibrous connective tissue cells (fibroblasts). It is characterized by its ability to withstand both tensile and compressive forces, making it ideal for areas that experience both types of stress.

Fibrocartilage is found in areas of the body that require both strength and flexibility, such as:

Fibrocartilage is different from other types of cartilage because it lacks a perichondrium. The perichondrium is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds and nourishes cartilage.

Chondrocytes are the specialized cells responsible for producing the cartilage matrix. They primarily produce type II collagen, which provides structural support to the cartilage.

Fibroblasts are cells that produce collagen fibers, which are important for providing strength and flexibility to tissues. In fibrocartilage, fibroblasts produce type I collagen, which is a stronger type of collagen.

The process of cartilage growth where new cartilage cells are added to the surface of existing cartilage.

The process of cartilage growth where new cartilage cells are produced from within the existing cartilage.

Cartilage's limited ability to repair itself due to its lack of blood vessels and limited cell division.

The process where calcium phosphate crystals build up in the cartilage matrix.

Hyaline cartilage becomes calcified in growing bones, during bone development, and as part of aging.

Cartilage cells (chondrocytes) rely on diffusion for nutrients. When cartilage calcifies, diffusion is impaired and the chondrocytes die, leading to the replacement of calcified cartilage by bone.

Cells that break down calcified cartilage matrix. They are mature osteoclasts.

The type of cartilage most prone to calcification with age.

A layer of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds hyaline and elastic cartilage, providing a firm attachment, rich blood supply for nutrient & waste exchange, and containing cells similar to fibroblasts.

The inner layer of perichondrium, responsible for generating new cartilage cells (chondroblasts) through mitosis.

The outer layer of perichondrium, primarily composed of collagen fibers, contributing to the structural integrity of cartilage.

Hyaline cartilage found on the articular surfaces of synovial joints, lacking perichondrium and serving as a smooth, low-friction surface for joint movements.

A degenerative disease affecting articular cartilage, characterized by matrix degradation, altered chondrocyte metabolism, and loss of cartilage, ultimately leading to bone-on-bone contact.

Type of cartilage containing elastin fibers in its matrix, providing flexibility and resilience, found in structures like the ear and epiglottis.

A growth plate found at the ends of long bones during growth, allowing for bone lengthening.

A type of cartilage rich in collagen type II fibers, providing a smooth surface for joint movement, found in structures like the nose, trachea, and articular surfaces.

Hyaline cartilage's extracellular matrix comprises collagen, proteoglycans, and multiadhesive glycoproteins.

A specialized connective tissue that combines rigidity, elasticity, and resilience. It plays a crucial role in both fetal skeleton development and bone growth.

Multiadhesive glycoproteins are a class of molecules within hyaline cartilage's extracellular matrix. They influence interactions between chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and matrix molecules.

Anchorin CII is a specific multiadhesive glycoprotein in hyaline cartilage, helping anchor chondrocytes to the matrix. This ensures the cells are firmly attached to their surroundings.

Cartilage is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels. Therefore, it relies on diffusion to receive nutrients like a sponge soaking up water.

Type II collagen, a key component of hyaline cartilage's extracellular matrix, is responsible for its tensile strength and shape. It binds aggrecans and supports them, providing a framework to resist swelling pressure caused by aggrecans.

The extracellular matrix, also known as ECM, is the key to cartilage's remarkable properties. It provides the structural support and resilience necessary for its function.

Aggrecans, another major component of hyaline cartilage's extracellular matrix, bind water molecules strongly, contributing to the hydrated and resilient nature of cartilage. They hold a significant amount of water.

The ECM is a complex mixture of fibers, primarily collagen, and a gel-like ground substance composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the form of proteoglycan aggregates.

Proteoglycan aggregates are large, complex molecules built from a core protein attached to multiple GAG chains. These chains can bind water, giving the cartilage its characteristic resilience and shock-absorbing properties.

Basophilia refers to the staining property of a substance with basic dyes, indicating the presence of acidic components. In hyaline cartilage, the sulfated ground substance (GAGs) exhibits basophilia.

Metachromasia is the phenomenon where a substance appears in a different color when stained with a dye than the usual color of the dye. In hyaline cartilage, the sulfated ground substance (GAGs) exhibits metachromasia.

Chondroblasts are immature cartilage cells that produce the ECM. They differentiate into chondrocytes, which are mature cartilage cells that maintain the ECM.

Hyaline cartilage is the most common type. It appears glassy and translucent, making up the articular cartilage of joints, the costal cartilage of the ribs, and the nose.

Calcification of hyaline cartilage's extracellular matrix leads to chondrocyte (cartilage cell) death. This process is often associated with aging and disease.