Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of cartilage?
What is the primary characteristic of cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage contains collagen fiber type I.
Hyaline cartilage contains collagen fiber type I.
False
What are the three types of cartilage?
What are the three types of cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage, yellow elastic cartilage, white fibrocartilage
Cartilage cells mature into ___________ once they secrete enough matrix.
Cartilage cells mature into ___________ once they secrete enough matrix.
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Match the following types of cartilage with their primary location:
Match the following types of cartilage with their primary location:
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Which type of cartilage is known for allowing smooth sliding surfaces in joints?
Which type of cartilage is known for allowing smooth sliding surfaces in joints?
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The primary function of cartilage is to absorb shock.
The primary function of cartilage is to absorb shock.
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What type of fibers are present in yellow elastic cartilage?
What type of fibers are present in yellow elastic cartilage?
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The ___________ surrounds hyaline cartilage but is absent in articular cartilage.
The ___________ surrounds hyaline cartilage but is absent in articular cartilage.
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Which of the following is NOT a function of cartilage?
Which of the following is NOT a function of cartilage?
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Study Notes
Cartilage Overview
- Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue (CT) lacking blood vessels (avascular).
- Its matrix is firm and resilient, like rubber.
- Cartilage provides support, keeps air passages open, provides smooth joint surfaces, and acts as a shock absorber.
Learning Objectives
- Define cartilage
- Classify cartilage
- List cartilage locations in the human body
- Describe cartilage microstructure
Cartilage Structure
- Cartilage is made of cells, fibers, and ground substance (matrix).
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Cells:
- Chondrogenic cells (mother cells for all cartilage cell types)
- Chondroblasts (immature cartilage cells): located on the surface of cartilage and perichondrium. Secrete cartilage matrix and fibers.
- Chondrocytes (mature cartilage cells): mature cells that secrete matrix, are completely surrounded by matrix, and are imprisoned in lacunae. Often found in groups of 2, 4, or 8 cells (cell nests).
- Fibers: Collagen and elastic fibers, type varies with cartilage type.
- Matrix: Rubber-like, basophilic (dark-staining), composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), glycoproteins, and water.
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Cells:
Types of Cartilage
- Classified based on the fibers embedded in the matrix:
- Hyaline cartilage: rich in collagen type II fibers, found in fetal skeletons, epiphyseal plates, articular surfaces, and respiratory passages (nose, trachea).
- Elastic cartilage: contains elastic fibers, found in the ear pinna, Eustachian tube, epiglottis, and external auditory canal.
- Fibrocartilage: has thick parallel bundles of collagen type I fibers, present in intervertebral discs, symphysis pubis, mandibular joint, sternoclavicular joint, and acetabulum.
Hyaline Cartilage (Structure)
- Surrounded by perichondrium (except at articular surfaces)
- Fibers: collagen type II
- Matrix: abundant, basophilic
- Produced by chondroblasts
Elastic Cartilage (Structure)
- Perichondrium present
- Fibers: elastic fibers forming a network within matrix
- Matrix: less abundant than in hyaline cartilage
Fibrocartilage (Structure)
- No perichondrium
- Fibers: collagen type I, thick parallel bundles
- Cartilage cells: present in rows between bundles
- Matrix: very scanty
Additional Notes
- The reference used is "Junqueira's Basic Histology, 13th Edition, 2013" by Anthony L. Mescher.
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Description
This quiz covers the key aspects of cartilage, a vital connective tissue in the human body. You will learn to define cartilage, classify its types, and understand its microstructure. Additionally, the quiz explores the roles and locations of cartilage throughout the body.
