Cartilage Types and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What are cartilages made up of?

chondrocytes

How many types of adult cartilage are associated with areas of the skeleton?

  • Four
  • Three (correct)
  • Two
  • Five

Which type of cartilage contains no blood vessels?

  • All types of cartilage (correct)
  • Hyaline cartilage
  • Elastic cartilage
  • Fibrocartilage

What is the sheath of dense connective tissue surrounding most cartilaginous structures called?

<p>perichondrium</p> Signup and view all the answers

Articular cartilage contains perichondrium.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most abundant type of collagen in hyaline cartilage?

<p>Type II collagen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the matrix cavities called that cartilage cells occupy?

<p>lacunae</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of water in hyaline cartilage?

<p>75% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage is most susceptible to calcification during aging?

<p>Hyaline cartilage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is typical of elastic cartilage?

<p>Collagen is mainly type II (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The molecular basis for the shock absorbing properties of cartilage involves which of the following?

<p>Hydration of glycosaminoglycans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cartilage from most other connective tissues?

<p>It lacks blood vessels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area in cartilage is relatively collagen-poor and proteoglycan-rich?

<p>territorial matrix</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of the extracellular matrix in hyaline cartilage?

<p>Homogeneous, with type II collagen and aggrecan</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major cells found in hyaline cartilage?

<p>Chondrocytes and chondroblasts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the typical arrangement of chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage.

<p>Isolated or in small isogenous groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is perichondrium present in hyaline cartilage?

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of the main locations of hyaline cartilage.

<p>Many components of the upper respiratory tract; articular ends and epiphyseal plates of long bones; fetal skeleton</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of hyaline cartilage?

<p>Provides smooth, low-friction surfaces in joints; structural support for respiratory tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of the extracellular matrix in elastic cartilage?

<p>Type II collagen, aggrecan, and darker elastic fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major cells found in elastic cartilage?

<p>Chondrocytes and chondroblasts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the typical arrangement of chondrocytes in elastic cartilage.

<p>Usually in small isogenous groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is perichondrium present in elastic cartilage?

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of the main locations of elastic cartilage.

<p>External ear, external acoustic meatus, auditory tube; epiglottis and certain other laryngeal cartilages</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of elastic cartilage?

<p>Provides flexible shape and support of soft tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of the extracellular matrix in fibrocartilage?

<p>Type II collagen and large areas of dense connective tissue with type I collagen</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major cells found in fibrocartilage?

<p>Chondrocytes and fibroblasts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the typical arrangement of chondrocytes in fibrocartilage.

<p>Isolated or in isogenous groups arranged axially</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is perichondrium present in fibrocartilage?

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of the main locations of fibrocartilage.

<p>Intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, meniscus, and certain other joints; insertions of tendons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of fibrocartilage?

<p>Provides cushioning, tensile strength, and resistance to tearing and compression</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define cartilage.

<p>A tough and durable form of supporting connective tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cartilage ECM?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to chondroblasts?

<p>Undergo mitosis and secrete ECM components, maturing as nondividing chondrocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hyaluronan?

<p>Water binding</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of perichondrium?

<p>Forms an interface between the cartilage and tissues supported by the cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define territorial matrix.

<p>The ECM immediately around each lacuna.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most abundant proteoglycan of hyaline cartilage?

<p>Aggrecan</p> Signup and view all the answers

Type II collagen predominates in which type of cartilage?

<p>Hyaline cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chondrocytes occur typically in what arrangements?

<p>Singly or in small, mitotically derived isogenous groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ECM of hyaline cartilage appears:

<p>Homogeneous and glassy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does elastic cartilage differ from hyaline cartilage?

<p>Elastic cartilage is more flexible than hyaline cartilage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

All forms of cartilage develop from embryonic what?

<p>Mesenchyme</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cartilage can be found in intervertebral discs?

<p>Fibrocartilage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is interstitial growth?

<p>Cartilaginous structures grow by mitosis of existing chondroblasts in lacunae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cartilage

A tough form of supporting connective tissue with high GAGs and proteoglycans.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common cartilage type, appearing homogeneous with Type II collagen.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage that contains elastic fibers, providing more flexibility.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage that combines hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue, providing toughness.

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Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells that maintain the cartilage matrix.

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ECM (Extracellular Matrix)

Matrix in cartilage rich in collagen, proteoglycans, and water.

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Perichondrium

Dense connective tissue surrounding most cartilages, essential for growth and repair.

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Type II Collagen

Primary collagen type found in hyaline and elastic cartilage.

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Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)

Large polysaccharides in the cartilage matrix that bind water.

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Aggrecan

Main proteoglycan in hyaline cartilage, with many GAG side chains.

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Avascular

Refers to cartilage being devoid of blood vessels.

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Interstitial Growth

Growth of cartilage by mitosis of chondrocytes within the matrix.

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Appositional Growth

Growth of cartilage by chondroblasts from the perichondrium.

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Territorial Matrix

Matrix area surrounding each chondrocyte with high GAG concentration.

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Interterritorial Matrix

Matrix region between chondrocytes, with more collagen.

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Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease involving cartilage wear and tear.

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Calcification

Process where cartilage becomes hardened with calcium deposits.

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Chondrogenesis

Development of cartilage from embryonic mesenchyme.

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Chondroblasts

Young cartilage cells that actively secrete matrix components.

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Elastic Fibers

Fibers that provide elasticity and flexibility to elastic cartilage.

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Meniscus

Crescent-shaped fibrocartilage in the knee joint that absorbs shock.

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Pubic Symphysis

Fibrocartilaginous joint between the pubic bones.

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Chondrosarcoma

Malignant tumor of cartilage that can arise from chondrocytes.

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Shock Absorber

Function of cartilage to provide cushioning in joints.

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Joint Function

Role of cartilage in providing smooth surfaces and flexibility in joints.

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Nutrient Diffusion

Process by which nutrients reach chondrocytes through surrounding connective tissues.

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Hyaluronan

Long polymer in cartilage that helps to bind water and maintain structure.

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Binding Proteins

Proteins that help link proteoglycans to collagen fibers.

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Matrix Metalloproteinases

Enzymes released during joint wear that contribute to cartilage degradation.

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External Ear Cartilage

Elastic cartilage providing structure and flexibility to the ear.

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Avascular Cartilage

Cartilage that lacks blood vessels, relying on diffusion for nutrients.

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Study Notes

Cartilage

  • Cartilage is a tough, durable supporting connective tissue
  • Its extracellular matrix (ECM) has high GAG and proteoglycan concentrations, interacting with collagen and elastic fibers
  • Cartilage has structural and protective roles in the skeleton and elsewhere (Figure 7-1)

Types of Cartilage

  • Hyaline Cartilage:
    • Homogenous, glassy matrix
    • Primarily type II collagen, aggrecan
    • Found in articular surfaces of joints, respiratory tract, ribs, and epiphyseal plates
    • Provides smooth, low friction surfaces in joints, and structural support in the respiratory tract.
  • Elastic Cartilage:
    • Contains abundant elastic fibers, giving it flexibility
    • Found in the external ear, external auditory canals, eustachian tubes, epiglottis
  • Fibrocartilage:
    • Mixture of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue, high tensile strength, cushioning
    • Found in intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, attachments of ligaments and tendons

Cartilage Formation, Growth, and Repair

  • Develops from embryonic mesenchyme
  • Two types of growth:
    • Interstitial growth (existing chondrocytes divide and produce new matrix)
    • Appositional growth (new chondrocytes are added at the surface from the perichondrium)
  • Slow and comparatively ineffective repair process due to lack of blood vessels (avascular)
  • Cartilage repair is primarily dependent on cells from the perichondrium

Cartilage Cells

  • Chondrocytes are the main cells
  • Chondrocytes occupy lacunae in the matrix
  • Chondrocytes are derived from mesenchymal cells through chondrogenesis
  • Chondrocytes are responsible for synthesizing and maintaining the extracellular matrix
  • Chondrocytes can occur singly or in aligned isogenous groups
  • Perichondrium (except in articular cartilage, in epiphyses of growing bones) provides a source for new chondroblasts.
  • Intervertebral discs in spinal column consist mainly of fibrocartilage, act as cushions and shock absorbers, held in place by ligaments

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