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Questions and Answers
Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with cartilage tissue?
Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with cartilage tissue?
- Utilizes diffusion for the movement of substances within the tissue.
- Contains chondrocytes responsible for matrix maintenance.
- Composed predominantly of extracellular matrix.
- Contains a significant vascular network for nutrient transport. (correct)
What distinguishes the extracellular matrix of cartilage from other connective tissues in terms of its composition?
What distinguishes the extracellular matrix of cartilage from other connective tissues in terms of its composition?
- Higher proportion of GAGs than type II collagen. (correct)
- Absence of proteoglycans.
- Higher proportion of type II collagen than GAGs.
- Higher proportion of type I collagen than GAGs.
Which of the following best describes a key difference between hyaline and elastic cartilage?
Which of the following best describes a key difference between hyaline and elastic cartilage?
- Elastic cartilage is the most common type, while hyaline is not.
- Elastic cartilage contains elastic fibers, while hyaline cartilage does not. (correct)
- Hyaline cartilage is highly vascular, while elastic cartilage is avascular.
- Hyaline cartilage has type I collagen, while elastic cartilage has type II.
Where would you expect to find a substantial amount of hyaline cartilage EXCEPT in:
Where would you expect to find a substantial amount of hyaline cartilage EXCEPT in:
What is the role of hyaline cartilage in developing bones?
What is the role of hyaline cartilage in developing bones?
Which of the following best describes the role of type VI collagen within cartilage?
Which of the following best describes the role of type VI collagen within cartilage?
What is a primary characteristic of hyaline cartilage that enables it to be stained with basic dyes and hematoxylin?
What is a primary characteristic of hyaline cartilage that enables it to be stained with basic dyes and hematoxylin?
Which of the following correctly pairs a molecule present in the cartilage matrix with its primary function?
Which of the following correctly pairs a molecule present in the cartilage matrix with its primary function?
How does the arrangement of molecules in the cartilage matrix affect its staining properties?
How does the arrangement of molecules in the cartilage matrix affect its staining properties?
What is the primary function of anchorin CII molecules within the cartilage matrix?
What is the primary function of anchorin CII molecules within the cartilage matrix?
Flashcards
What are chondrocytes?
What are chondrocytes?
Chondrocytes are the only type of cell found in cartilage, responsible for synthesizing and maintaining the extracellular matrix.
What is cartilage?
What is cartilage?
Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that provides structural support, flexibility, and cushioning in the body. It is composed primarily of extracellular matrix with a network of collagen and elastin fibers, embedded in a gel-like substance.
What are the main components of GAGs in hyaline cartilage?
What are the main components of GAGs in hyaline cartilage?
Hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and keratan sulfate are the three main components of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) found in the extracellular matrix of hyaline cartilage.
What is Aggrecan?
What is Aggrecan?
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Why does the matrix of hyaline cartilage stain unevenly?
Why does the matrix of hyaline cartilage stain unevenly?
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What is the most abundant component of cartilage?
What is the most abundant component of cartilage?
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Why is cartilage considered avascular?
Why is cartilage considered avascular?
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What is hyaline cartilage and where is it found?
What is hyaline cartilage and where is it found?
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What makes elastic cartilage unique?
What makes elastic cartilage unique?
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Study Notes
Cartilage Tissue Overview
- Cartilage is a type of connective tissue composed of chondroblasts, chondrocytes, and an extracellular matrix
- Over 95% of cartilage volume is made up of extracellular matrix
- It is avascular; meaning it does not have blood vessels
- It does not contain lymph vessels or nerves
Types of Cartilage
- Hyaline Cartilage:
- Most common type
- Found in the embryonic skeleton, articular surfaces of joints, nose, larynx, trachea, and walls of bronchi
- Contains Type II collagen, GAGs, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins
- Surrounded by perichondrium (except articular cartilage)
- Can be calcified
- Has three different matrix regions based on staining: capsular, territorial, and interterritorial
- Elastic Cartilage:
- Contains elastic fibers in addition to the components of hyaline cartilage
- More flexible than hyaline cartilage
- Found in the external ear, epiglottis, and parts of the larynx
- These elastic fibers are identified by special stains
- Fibrous Cartilage:
- Combination of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue
- Contains Type I and II collagen
- Does not contain perichondrium
- Found in intervertebral discs, sternoclavicular and temporomandibular joints, and the meniscus
Cells of Cartilage Tissue
- Chondroblasts (immature):
- Produce intercellular substance
- Located in the perichondrium
- Divide by mitosis to form chondrocytes
- Stain basophilic
- Contain a lot of rER, Golgi complex, and lipid droplets/glycogen
- Chondrocytes (mature):
- Large, oval-shaped
- Embedded in lacunae (small spaces)
- Form isogenous groups (clustered chondrocytes arising from one chondroblast)
- Lower secretion levels than chondroblasts
Matrix of Hyaline Cartilage
- Contains proteoglycans (aggrecan, decorin)
- Contains glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate)
- Contains cartilage-specific collagen molecules (types 2, 6, 9, 10, 11)
- Contains glycoproteins (tenascin, fibronectin, anchorin CII)
Fibrous Intercellular Matrix of Cartilage Tissue
- Matrix components (collagen types II, VI, IX, X, XI)
- Type II is the main collagen type and helps support cartilage
- Other types influence collagen fiber interactions and size adjustment
- Matrix structure creates a 3D network
Growth of Cartilage Tissue
- Appositional growth:
- New cartilage formation on the surface of existing cartilage
- Involves chondroblasts of the perichondrium
- Interstitial growth:
- New cartilage formation within the existing cartilage mass
- Involves the division of chondrocytes
Repair of Cartilage
- Limited repair capacity: due to avascularity, immobility of chondrocytes, and limited ability of mature chondrocytes to proliferate
- Repair may occur: if the damage involves the perichondrium and pluripotent progenitor cells
Calcification of Hyaline Cartilage
- Calcification is the embedding of calcium phosphate crystals into the cartilage matrix
- Calcification occurs in growing and adult bones, in contact with bone tissue
- Calcification occurs during endochondral ossification
- Calcification occurs during aging
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