Podcast
Questions and Answers
What best describes the nature of cartilage?
What best describes the nature of cartilage?
What is the primary role of chondrocytes in cartilage?
What is the primary role of chondrocytes in cartilage?
Which of the following components is NOT part of the cartilage extracellular matrix?
Which of the following components is NOT part of the cartilage extracellular matrix?
Which statement correctly describes fibrocartilage?
Which statement correctly describes fibrocartilage?
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What is the primary function of perichondrium?
What is the primary function of perichondrium?
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Which cartilage type is known for having a bluish-gray appearance and being the most common?
Which cartilage type is known for having a bluish-gray appearance and being the most common?
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What occurs as a result of cartilage being avascular?
What occurs as a result of cartilage being avascular?
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What role do chondrogenic cells play in cartilage formation?
What role do chondrogenic cells play in cartilage formation?
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Which of the following statements about cartilage healing is true?
Which of the following statements about cartilage healing is true?
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Which characteristic helps the cartilage ECM resist mechanical forces?
Which characteristic helps the cartilage ECM resist mechanical forces?
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Study Notes
Cartilage Overview
- Cartilage is strong and flexible, enduring force while bending
- It's avascular, obtaining nutrients from the perichondrium
- Composed of cells (chondrogenic, chondroblasts, chondrocytes), fibers, and extracellular matrix
- Forms the foundation for long bone growth
- Acts as a shock absorber and smooth surface for joint movement
- Plays a role in bone development before and after birth
Cartilage Cells
- Chondrogenic cells develop into chondroblasts
- Chondroblasts produce cartilage matrix and collagen type II, and mature into chondrocytes
- Chondrocytes reside in lacunae
- Chondrocytes are responsible for maintaining cartilage matrix
Cartilage Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
- ECM is composed of collagen and/or elastic fibers
- Abundant glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans
- These components offer firmness and resistance to mechanical stress
Perichondrium
- Outer perichondrium—dense connective tissue, rich in type I collagen fibers, and blood vessels—covers hyaline and elastic cartilage
- Inner cellular layer contains chondrogenic and chondroblasts
Cartilage Avascularity
- Cartilage lacks blood vessels and nerves within its matrix
- Nutrients diffuse from the perichondrium through the matrix to chondrocytes
- Limited metabolic activity, slow healing
Cartilage Types
- Hyaline cartilage: Most common; found in fetal skeleton, epiphyseal plates, costal cartilage, articular surfaces of joints, respiratory passages
- Elastic cartilage: Similar to hyaline, but with elastic fibers; found in ear pinna, Eustachian tube, epiglottis, external auditory canal
- Fibrocartilage: Scant matrix, primarily type I collagen; found in intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, attachments of tendons and ligaments
Cartilage Growth
- Interstitial growth: Growth from within cartilage by chondrocytes dividing and secreting matrix
- Appositional growth: Growth along the outside of cartilage by chondroblasts secreting matrix and differentiating into chondrocytes
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of cartilage, including its composition, types of cells involved, and the significance of the extracellular matrix. Understand the role of cartilage in joint function, bone development, and its properties as a strong yet flexible tissue. Test your knowledge on how cartilage contributes to overall skeletal health.
