Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which processes contribute to cartilage growth?
Which processes contribute to cartilage growth?
What is a characteristic of cartilage regarding nerve presence?
What is a characteristic of cartilage regarding nerve presence?
In which locations is hyaline cartilage primarily found?
In which locations is hyaline cartilage primarily found?
What type of cartilage provides tensile strength?
What type of cartilage provides tensile strength?
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What function does hyaline cartilage serve at the epiphyseal plates in young individuals?
What function does hyaline cartilage serve at the epiphyseal plates in young individuals?
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Which type of cartilage has a perichondrium and is characterized by a glossy, homogeneous, and basophilic matrix?
Which type of cartilage has a perichondrium and is characterized by a glossy, homogeneous, and basophilic matrix?
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What structure in fibrocartilage provides resistance to compression?
What structure in fibrocartilage provides resistance to compression?
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Which of the following types of cartilage is primarily found in the ear and larynx?
Which of the following types of cartilage is primarily found in the ear and larynx?
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What is a key feature of articular cartilage that limits its regeneration capacity?
What is a key feature of articular cartilage that limits its regeneration capacity?
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In which locations is fibrocartilage typically found?
In which locations is fibrocartilage typically found?
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What aspect of the hyaline cartilage matrix contributes to its glossy appearance?
What aspect of the hyaline cartilage matrix contributes to its glossy appearance?
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Which statement about the composition of elastic cartilage is true?
Which statement about the composition of elastic cartilage is true?
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What distinguishes territorial matrix from inter-territorial matrix in cartilage?
What distinguishes territorial matrix from inter-territorial matrix in cartilage?
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What is a major consequence of degeneration of articular cartilage?
What is a major consequence of degeneration of articular cartilage?
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What primarily composes the ground substance of cartilage?
What primarily composes the ground substance of cartilage?
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Which of the following statements about cartilage cells is true?
Which of the following statements about cartilage cells is true?
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What is a characteristic feature of cartilage that aids in nutrient supply?
What is a characteristic feature of cartilage that aids in nutrient supply?
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What structural characteristic distinguishes fibrocartilage from other types of cartilage?
What structural characteristic distinguishes fibrocartilage from other types of cartilage?
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Which of the following functions is NOT associated with cartilage?
Which of the following functions is NOT associated with cartilage?
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What happens to chondrocytes when cartilage calcifies?
What happens to chondrocytes when cartilage calcifies?
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Which type of collagen is predominantly found in cartilage?
Which type of collagen is predominantly found in cartilage?
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Which component of the cartilage matrix is critical for maintaining its hydrated state?
Which component of the cartilage matrix is critical for maintaining its hydrated state?
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Study Notes
Cartilage Overview
- Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that provides support and resilience
- It has a rigid structure, capable of withstanding pressure
- It is composed of cells (chondrocytes and chondroblasts) and a matrix (fibers and ground substance)
- Fibers include collagen type II (mostly), and sometimes type I and/or elastic
- Ground substance consists of proteoglycans (GAGs), glycoproteins, and water
- Found in body areas needing elasticity and rigidity
Importance of Cartilage
- Capable of bending and returning to its original shape
- Provides rigidity and support to soft tissues
- Offers a smooth gliding surface for articulation
- Enables the development and growth of long bones
Cartilage Cells
- Chondroblasts are young cells that secrete the cartilage matrix around them
- Chondrocytes are mature cartilage cells, residing in lacunae within the matrix
- Mesenchymal (chondrogenic) cells differentiate into chondroblasts
- As cartilage grows, chondroblasts become trapped in the matrix compartments (lacunae), maturing into chondrocytes
- Cartilage calcification leads to chondrocyte death due to nutrient deprivation
Ground Substance of Cartilage
- Composed of proteoglycans (GAGs), glycoproteins, and water
- Proteoglycans (chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate) attract water molecules, forming a gel-like consistency
- Glycoproteins (chondronectin and chondrocalcin) bind to GAGs and collagen fibers, holding cartilage cells in place
- Water (tissue fluid) hydrates the matrix
Characteristic Features of Cartilages
- Typically surrounded by perichondrium (dense irregular connective tissue)
- Structure comprises outer fibrous and inner cellular layers
- Fibrous layer contains collagen fibers and fibroblasts
- Cellular layer includes chondrogenic cells that differentiate into chondroblasts, producing the cartilage matrix
- Articular and fibrocartilage lack perichondrium
- Cartilage provides nutrient and support
Cartilage Properties
- Avascular: Nourishment occurs through diffusion via the ground substance
- Slow repair/regeneration
- No lymphatics: Homogenous cartilage transplantation is possible without rejection
- No nerves: Insensitive
Cartilage Growth
- Appositional growth: New cartilage is added to the surface (beneath the perichondrium) by chondroblasts, increasing cartilage width
- Interstitial growth: Existing cartilage is added internally through chondrocyte proliferation, increasing cartilage size
Types of Cartilage
- Based on the fiber type within their matrix:
- Hyaline cartilage (provides structural support)
- Elastic cartilage (confers flexibility)
- Fibrocartilage (provides tensile strength)
Hyaline Cartilage Locations
- Found in various locations: nose, larynx cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, lower arytenoid), trachea and bronchi, costal cartilages of ribs, articular cartilages in joints
Hyaline Cartilage Functional Significance
- In young individuals: Present in epiphyseal plates, enabling bone growth in length
- In adults: Mostly replaced with bone
- Articular cartilage (hyaline) has no perichondrium in joints, preventing friction and allowing smooth movement
Hyaline Cartilage Structure
- Covered by perichondrium
- Contains a glossy, homogenous, transparent, basophilic matrix containing collagen fibers (type II)
- Chondrocytes reside within lacunae, often arranged in isogenous groups
Hyaline Cartilage Matrix
- Territorial matrix: Surrounding lacunae, more basophilic
- Interterritorial matrix: Located between lacunae, less basophilic
- Refractive index of collagen in the matrix is similar to that of ground substance, creating a glossy appearance
Elastic Cartilage
- Highly flexible
- Found in: ear pinna, part of the auditory tube, and cartilages of the larynx (epiglottis, apex of arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform cartilages)
Elastic Cartilage Structure
- Covered by perichondrium
- Chondroblasts synthesize elastic fibers
- Matrix contains elastic fibers with branching and anastomoses, few type II collagen fibers
- Ground substance is basophilic
- Chondrocytes are mostly singly located within lacunae
Fibrocartilage
- Bears weight and resists compression
- Found in: secondary cartilaginous joints (intervertebral discs, symphysis), articular disk of the temporomandibular joint, glenoid labrum and acetabular labrum, menisci of the knee joint
Fibrocartilage Structure
- Not covered by perichondrium
- Matrix has thick bundles of collagen fibers (type I) arranged interlacingly
- Fewer chondrocytes, often arranged in a single row between bundles
Osteoarthritis
- Due to articular cartilage degeneration
- Lack of perichondrium means no regeneration capacity
- Degeneration causes difficulty walking (hip and knee involvement)
- Joint involvement (hand) can be painful
Self Learning
- Identify photomicrographs of different cartilage types (A, B, C)
- List histological differences
- Note locations of cartilage types
- Identify component responsible for high water content in cartilage (proteoglycan)
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Description
This quiz provides an in-depth look at cartilage, a vital connective tissue that offers support and resilience in the body. It covers its structure, types of cartilage cells, and the roles they play in maintaining body function. Test your knowledge on the significance and functionality of cartilage.
