10 Questions
What type of collagen is rich in the extracellular matrix of hyaline cartilage?
Type II collagen
In hyaline cartilage, chondrocytes can be found:
In isogenous groups
Which type of cartilage provides flexible support for the external ear?
Elastic cartilage
What is a characteristic feature of elastic cartilage that distinguishes it from hyaline cartilage?
Abundant elastic fibers
What is the primary function of cartilage?
To provide cushioning and low-friction surfaces in joints
How does fibrocartilage provide support in the body?
By providing very tough support
What is the primary cell type found in cartilage?
Chondrocytes and chondroblasts
Which of the following is NOT a major type of cartilage?
Calcified cartilage
Which of the following statements about cartilage is true?
Cartilage is nonvascular but surrounded by a vascular perichondrium
What is the primary function of the perichondrium?
To generate new chondrocytes for cartilage growth and repair
Study Notes
Cartilage Overview
- Cartilage is a tough, resilient type of connective tissue that supports soft tissues, particularly in the respiratory tract, and provides cushioned, low-friction surfaces in joints.
Cartilage Composition
- Cartilage is composed mainly of chondrocytes and chondroblasts that synthesize an extensive extracellular matrix.
- Extracellular matrix includes collagen (notably type II), proteoglycans (notably aggrecan), and a high water content.
Cartilage Characteristics
- Cartilage is nonvascular, but surrounded by vascular connective tissue perichondrium.
- Nutrients enter and metabolites leave cartilage through diffusion through the matrix.
Types of Cartilage
Hyaline Cartilage
- Has a homogeneous and glassy extracellular matrix rich in type II collagen and aggrecan complexes with bound water.
- Chondrocytes occur singly or in small, mitotically derived isogenous groups.
- Perichondrium is dense connective tissue containing chondroblasts, fibroblasts, and blood vessels.
Elastic Cartilage
- Has a matrix that includes abundant elastic fibers, increasing tissue flexibility.
- Provides flexible support for the external ear, middle ear, and larynx structures.
- Always surrounded by perichondrium.
Fibrocartilage
- Contains varying combinations of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue.
- Histologically, it consists of small chondrocytes in a hyaline matrix, layered with bundled type I collagen and scattered fibroblasts.
- Provides very tough, strong support at tendon insertions, intervertebral discs, and certain joints.
Cartilage Formation, Growth, and Repair
- All forms of cartilage form from embryonic mesenchyme.
- Cartilaginous structures grow by mitosis of existing chondroblasts (interstitial growth) or formation of new chondroblasts peripherally from progenitor cells in the perichondrium.
Learn about the definition, types, formation, growth, repair, and medical applications of cartilage in this lecture by Dr. Noor Alaa M.B.Ch.B. Cartilage is a tough connective tissue that provides structural support to soft tissues and cushioned surfaces in joints.
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