Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of chondrocytes in cartilage?
What is the primary function of chondrocytes in cartilage?
Which component is NOT found in the matrix of hyaline cartilage?
Which component is NOT found in the matrix of hyaline cartilage?
In what form do chondrocytes exist within the cartilage matrix?
In what form do chondrocytes exist within the cartilage matrix?
What distinguishes hyaline cartilage from other cartilage types?
What distinguishes hyaline cartilage from other cartilage types?
Signup and view all the answers
Where is hyaline cartilage most likely to be found?
Where is hyaline cartilage most likely to be found?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following correctly describes the territorial matrix of cartilage?
Which of the following correctly describes the territorial matrix of cartilage?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary type of collagen found in the inter-territorial matrix of cartilage?
What is the primary type of collagen found in the inter-territorial matrix of cartilage?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cartilage?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cartilage?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the perichondrium in relation to cartilage?
What is the role of the perichondrium in relation to cartilage?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of cells are chondrogenic cells derived from?
What type of cells are chondrogenic cells derived from?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Chondrocytes
- Oval or rounded cells found in lacunae, maintaining the cartilage matrix.
- Nucleus: pale and oval in shape.
- Cytoplasm: basophilic, rich in organelles vital for protein synthesis, including increased rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and a well-developed Golgi complex.
- Capable of cell division, forming isogenous groups in lacunae, contributing to matrix production.
Types of Cartilage
-
Hyaline Cartilage
- Basophilic matrix containing Type II collagen fibers and proteoglycans.
- Contains chondrogenic cells, chondroblasts, and chondrocytes, typically arranged in isogenous groups.
- Present in articular surfaces of long bones, nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, costal cartilage, and fetal skeleton.
-
Elastic Cartilage
- Contains abundant elastic fibers enhancing flexibility.
- Includes chondrogenic cells, chondroblasts, and chondrocytes, which are larger than hyaline cartilage cells.
- Found in the ear pinna, Eustachian tube, and epiglottis.
-
Fibrocartilage
- Acidophilic matrix primarily composed of Type I collagen, providing strong tensile strength.
- Chondrocytes arranged in parallel rows amidst collagen bundles.
- Lacks perichondrium and is located in intervertebral discs, articular discs, and the ends of some tendons.
Cartilage Characteristics
- Non-vascularized, lacking nerves and lymphatic vessels; nourishment occurs via diffusion through the matrix from surrounding connective tissues (perichondrium).
- Matrix composed of glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate, heparin sulfate, hyaluronic acid), proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.
- Divided into territorial matrix (surrounds each lacuna) and inter-territorial matrix (bulk of the matrix, richer in Type II collagen).
- Provides flexibility and shock absorption; covered by perichondrium with outer fibrous and inner cellular layers that supply nutrients.
Cartilage Cell Types
-
Chondrogenic Cells
- Derived from mesenchymal cells, located in the inner cellular layer of perichondrium.
- Spindle-shaped with an oval nucleus and abundant free ribosomes, capable of differentiating into chondroblasts.
-
Chondroblasts
- Derived from mesenchymal or chondrogenic cells under the perichondrium.
- Flat cells with pale oval nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm, responsible for forming the cartilage matrix.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on chondrocytes and their organelles involved in protein synthesis. This quiz covers vital cellular structures like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. Dive deep into the functions and morphology of these crucial cells.
