Cartilage Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

Which type of cartilage is characterized by the presence of an abundant network of elastic fibers?

Type II cartilage

Fibrocartilage

Elastic cartilage (correct)

Hyaline cartilage

What type of collagen fibers are found in fibrocartilage?

Type III collagen fibers

Type I collagen fibers (correct)

Type II collagen fibers

Collagen fibers not specified

Which of the following sites is associated with hyaline cartilage?

Costal cartilage (correct)

Ear pinna

Synovial joints

Intervertebral discs

Which of the following is NOT true regarding chondrocytes?

Chondrocytes are more active than chondroblasts (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ground substance of the extracellular matrix composed of?

Proteoglycans and glycoproteins (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes fibrocartilage from other cartilage types?

Absence of perichondrium (C) Signup and view all the answers

In which location would you typically find fibrocartilage?

Intervertebral discs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of chondroblasts?

Synthesize cartilage matrix (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage is characterized by the presence of type II collagen that cannot be seen easily under light microscopy?

Hyaline cartilage (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of elastic cartilage compared to hyaline cartilage?

Abundant elastic fibers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of chondroblasts in cartilage?

To produce fibers and ground substances in the matrix (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where are chondrocytes typically located within the cartilage structure?

In the spaces called lacunae (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes cartilage from other types of connective tissue?

Avascularity and reliance on diffusion for nutrient exchange (A) Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic is observed in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes?

It is pale and less basophilic compared to that of chondroblasts (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following locations would you NOT find a perichondrium?

Articular cartilage in joints (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a part of the extracellular matrix of cartilage?

Elastic fibers supporting vascular supply (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of chondrocytes that can be found in a single lacuna?

8 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the perichondrium contains chondroblasts?

Inner cellular layer (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do chondroblasts change when they become chondrocytes?

They lose their basophilic cytoplasm (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the organization of cartilage?

Isolated cells embedded in a gelatinous matrix (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cartilage

Cartilage is a firm, flexible, strong connective tissue, composed of cells, fibers, and intercellular matrix.
It's avascular, meaning it relies on diffusion of nutrients from blood vessels in the perichondrium for nourishment.
Perichondrium is a dense irregular connective tissue sheath surrounding most cartilage, except in joint capsules.

Structure of Cartilage

Cartilage cells include chondroblasts and chondrocytes.
- Chondroblasts are found under the perichondrium, are oval or spindle-shaped, and have basophilic cytoplasm and a pale nucleus. They produce the matrix.
- Chondrocytes reside in lacunae, either singly or in groups (isogenic groups), have less basophilic cytoplasm, and darker-staining nuclei. They are less active than chondroblasts.
Extracellular matrix is composed of:
- Fibers: Hyaline cartilage contains type II collagen fibers; elastic cartilage has abundant elastic fibers in addition to collagen fibers; fibrocartilage contains type I collagen fibers.
- Ground substance: This is basophilic, consisting of proteoglycans and glycoproteins.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage: Most common type; contains collagen fibers (Type II); found in costal cartilage, articular cartilage, and trachea.
Elastic cartilage: Most flexible type; contains abundant elastic fibers; found in the ear pinna.
Fibrocartilage: Intermediate between dense connective tissue and cartilage; contains many collagen fibers (Type I); found in intervertebral discs.

Test Yourself (Questions)

Which one of the following is the most flexible type of cartilage? Elastic cartilage.
Which cell type is responsible for protein and fiber synthesis in cartilage? Chondroblasts.
Which cartilage type contains elastic fibers? Elastic cartilage.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of cartilage in this quiz, delving into its structure, cell types, and function. Learn about chondroblasts and chondrocytes, and the significance of the extracellular matrix in different types of cartilage. Test your knowledge on this essential connective tissue.