BMS Cartilage

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Questions and Answers

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

Dense connective tissue

Fibrous cartilage

Elastic cartilage

Hyaline cartilage (correct)

Elastic cartilage is the most common type of cartilage tissue.

False

What type of cartilage is primarily found in intervertebral discs?

Fibrous cartilage

The ______ of the ear is made up of elastic cartilage.

pinna Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of cartilage with their locations:

Hyaline cartilage = Articulating surfaces of bone Fibrous cartilage = Knee and jaw joints Elastic cartilage = Pinna of the ear Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cartilage in the body?

To provide flexibility and support Signup and view all the answers

Cartilage is a highly vascularized tissue.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name the three types of cartilage.

Hyaline, Fibrous, Elastic Signup and view all the answers

Cartilage starts off as ______ cartilage before modifying according to need.

Hyaline Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of cartilage with their corresponding characteristics:

Hyaline = Flexible and smooth, found in joints Fibrous = Tough and resistant, found in intervertebral discs Elastic = Contains elastic fibers, found in the ear Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells produce the cartilage matrix?

Chondroblasts Signup and view all the answers

The perichondrium is a fibrous connective tissue sheath that surrounds cartilage.

True Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the dry weight of cartilage do fibres contribute?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic of fibrous cartilage?

It has thick, dense fibres making it the strongest type of cartilage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes hyaline cartilage?

It provides smooth surfaces for joint movement and has a translucent appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the perichondrium play in cartilage structure?

It surrounds cartilage and contains blood vessels for growth and repair. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of elastic cartilage?

To maintain the original shape after deformation. Signup and view all the answers

Which component helps in making cartilage resilient by retaining water?

Proteoglycans Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Cartilage

Cartilage is a firm, avascular, non-calcified connective tissue crucial for structural support in the body.
Plays a key role in the formation of the temporary skeleton during embryonic development and serves as a precursor to bone.
Found on the articular surfaces of free-moving joints, facilitating flexibility and smooth movement.

Importance in Health

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the head and neck is significant; impairments can lead to limited mouth opening and discomfort.
Nutritional support for cartilage is provided by surrounding connective tissue known as perichondrium, which acts as a fibrous sheath.

Structure of Cartilage

Composed of cells and a matrix; the matrix includes fibers, collagen, and intracellular substances.
Contains immature chondroblasts that produce the cartilage matrix and mature chondrocytes that maintain it.
Ground substance is a gel-like matrix rich in proteoglycan, chondronectin, and water, providing cartilage strength and hydration.
Perichondrium encapsulates cartilage, aiding in its structural integrity.

Types of Cartilage

Three main types of cartilage: Hyaline, Fibrous, and Elastic. All cartilage begins as hyaline and can modify based on functional needs.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most prevalent type, especially in fetuses and infants; contains small groups of chondrocyte cells.
Matrix is smooth, solid, and appears as a bluish-white, glassy tissue.
Notable for its limited capacity for repair after injury.
Locations include articulating surfaces of bones, costal cartilages (rib attachment to sternum), and cartilages of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

Fibrous Cartilage

Dense, tough, and slightly flexible tissue with chondrocytes separated by thick bundles of collagen fibers arranged in parallel.
Provides enhanced strength and support.
Found in intervertebral discs, knee and jaw joints, and the pubic symphysis, as well as surrounding the bony sockets of the hip and shoulder joints.

Elastic Cartilage

Contains elastic fibers within the matrix, making it flexible.
The least common type of cartilage.
Located in the pinna of the ear, epiglottis, and forming part of the tunica media in blood vessel walls.

Additional Resources

Further reading can be explored through various online resources for in-depth understanding of cartilage types and functions.

Composition of Cartilage

Main cell types are chondrocytes and chondroblasts, responsible for the production and maintenance of cartilage.
Cartilage matrix is composed of collagen fibers that provide strength.
Proteoglycans within the matrix help retain water, contributing to cartilage resilience.
Elastic fibers are present in elastic cartilage, allowing for flexibility.
Surrounded by a perichondrium, a sheath of tissue rich in blood vessels, which aids in growth and repair.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline Cartilage
- Found in the trachea, septum, and joints.
- Serves as a precursor to all cartilage types and is the most abundant.
- Characterized by its translucent appearance.
- Facilitates smooth movement of bones over joints with a low-friction layer of 2-4 mm.
Fibrous Cartilage
- Located in areas like the TMJ, knees, intervertebral discs, and hip/shoulder joints.
- Features thick, dense fibers, making it the strongest cartilage type but with minimal flexibility.
- Effectively disperses body weight and absorbs friction during movement.
Elastic Cartilage
- Found in structures such as the pinna of the ear, epiglottis, and part of the blood vessel wall (tunica media).
- Contains abundant elastic fibers that allow it to return to its original shape.
- The least common cartilage type, with hyaline cartilage being predominant.

General Functions of Cartilage

Functions as connective tissue providing flexibility and cushioning for joints.
Maintains a firm yet non-calcified structure, unlike rigid bone.
Serves as a temporary skeleton during embryonic and fetal development.
Acts as a template or model for the formation of the skeletal system.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of cartilage, including its composition, development, and the various types. Students will learn about the functions and locations of different cartilage types in the body. Ensure you understand the fundamental roles that cartilage plays in the skeletal system.