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Questions and Answers
What provides resilience to elastic cartilage?
What is the primary component of fibrocartilage that provides resistance to compression and shearing force?
Where is fibrocartilage found in the body?
What is the appearance of the extracellular matrix of cartilage?
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Why is cartilage repair challenging?
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How do chondrocytes behave as they secrete new extracellular matrix?
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What is the special cell type found in cartilage that secretes all components of the specialized extracellular matrix?
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Which type of collagen fibers in cartilage are specifically strong against shearing stress?
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What major property of cartilage makes it less compressible and able to attract water due to heavy hydration?
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Which type of cartilage is the most common on articular surfaces, aiding low friction movement in joints?
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Why does articular cartilage have a limited capacity for repair?
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Which type of connective tissue is cartilage classified as?
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Study Notes
Resilience and Components of Cartilage
- Elastic cartilage gains resilience primarily from its elastin fibers, allowing it to return to shape after deformation.
- Fibrocartilage's primary component that resists compression and shearing forces is collagen type I, providing tensile strength.
Locations and Properties of Fibrocartilage
- Found in areas requiring strong support and the ability to withstand pressure, such as intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, and menisci of the knee.
- The extracellular matrix of cartilage appears translucent and firm, with a gel-like consistency rich in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans.
Challenges in Cartilage Repair
- Cartilage repair is challenging due to its avascular nature, limiting the delivery of nutrients and repair cells; the low cellularity of cartilage also hinders regeneration.
- Chondrocytes behave actively by synthesizing new extracellular matrix components, promoting the maintenance and structure of cartilage.
Special Cell Types and Collagen Fibers
- Chondrocytes are the special cell type in cartilage responsible for secreting all components of the specialized extracellular matrix, including collagen and ground substance.
- Collagen type II fibers are predominantly present in cartilage, providing strength against shearing stress and enabling load-bearing abilities.
Hydration and Articular Cartilage
- The major property that makes cartilage less compressible and promotes water retention is its high proteoglycan content, which attracts water due to its negative charge.
- Hyaline cartilage is the most common type on articular surfaces, facilitating low friction movement in joints, crucial for joint health and mobility.
Repair Capacity and Classification
- Articular cartilage exhibits a limited capacity for repair due to its lack of blood supply and low metabolic activity, which impacts healing processes.
- Cartilage is classified as a specialized connective tissue, distinguished by its unique extracellular matrix composition and properties.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the structure, composition, and growth of cartilage, a unique type of connective tissue with a specialized extracellular matrix and few cells. Learn about chondrocytes, the avascular nature of cartilage, and its healing abilities post-injury.
