Cartilage Composition and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the principal type of cartilage found in fetuses and infants?

Elastic cartilage

Fibrous cartilage

Bone cartilage

Hyaline cartilage (correct)

Which characteristic is NOT true about hyaline cartilage?

It is difficult to repair after injury.

It contains small groups of chondrocyte cells.

It has a smooth and solid matrix.

It appears as a rough, fibrous tissue. (correct)

Where can you find fibrous cartilage?

Pinna of the ear

Articulating surfaces of bone

Cartilages of the larynx

Intervertebral discs (correct)

What unique feature does elastic cartilage have compared to other types of cartilage?

Elastic fibers in the matrix Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations would NOT contain hyaline cartilage?

Knee joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition difference between fibrous cartilage and hyaline cartilage?

Fibrous cartilage has thick bundles of collagen fibers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations is associated with elastic cartilage?

Pinna of the ear Signup and view all the answers

What type of cartilage is predominantly found in knee joints?

Fibrous cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the least common type of cartilage tissue?

Elastic cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What specific characteristic distinguishes hyaline cartilage from fibrous cartilage?

Hyaline cartilage has a smoother matrix. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cartilage in the embryo and foetus?

To serve as a template for bone development Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage is the most common and serves as a precursor to bone?

Hyaline cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chondrocytes in cartilage tissue?

To maintain the cartilage matrix Signup and view all the answers

What substance makes up the majority of the matrix in cartilage?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What surrounds cartilage and provides it with cellular nutrition?

Perichondrium Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the body is the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) cartilage especially important?

The jaw Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage provides flexibility and strength due to its elastic fibers?

Elastic cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the dry weight of cartilage is made up of fibers?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular component is responsible for the production of cartilage matrix?

Chondroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the types of cartilage in terms of their matrix composition?

Nature and amount of fibers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cartilage Overview

Firm, avascular, non-calcified connective tissue crucial for skeletal development.
Forms temporary skeleton in embryos and fetuses, acting as a model for future bones.
Present on articular surfaces of joints, contributing to flexibility and shock absorption.

Importance of TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) cartilage is vital for head and neck function.
Issues with TMJ can lead to limited opening and discomfort in patients.
Nutritional support for cartilage is derived from surrounding connective tissue known as perichondrium.

Structure of Cartilage

Composed of chondroblasts (immature cells producing matrix) and chondrocytes (mature cells maintaining matrix).
Matrix consists of fibers (primarily collagen) and a ground substance that is gel-like, rich in proteoglycans and water.
Perichondrium serves as a fibrous capsule surrounding cartilage.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline Cartilage:
- Most prevalent type, especially in fetuses and infants.
- Smooth, bluish-white appearance; difficult to repair after injury.
- Locations: articulating surfaces of bones, costal cartilages (ribs to sternum), larynx, trachea, bronchi.
Fibrous Cartilage:
- Dense, tough, slightly flexible, characterized by thick collagen fiber bundles.
- Groups of chondrocytes are separated by collagen, arranged in parallel bundles.
- Locations: intervertebral discs, knee and jaw joints, rim of hip and shoulder sockets, pubic symphysis.
Elastic Cartilage:
- Contains additional elastic fibers in the matrix, creating structural flexibility.
- The least common type among the cartilages.
- Locations: pinna of the ear, epiglottis, parts of blood vessel walls (tunica media).

General Functions of Cartilage

Provides structural support and flexibility in various parts of the body.
Acts as a cushion in joints, reducing friction and absorbing shock.
Aids in the development and growth of long bones, serving as a template during early stages.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the composition, types, and functions of cartilage. Students will learn to identify different types of cartilage and understand their specific roles in the body. Engage with key concepts to enhance your understanding of this vital tissue.