Cytology: Cartilage & Bone Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the 3 types of cartilage?

hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage

What is cartilage?

Cartilage is a strong, flexible and semi-rigid supporting tissue.

What is Aggrecan?

Major proteoglycan in cartilage

What are chondroblasts?

Cartilage forming cells Signup and view all the answers

What are chondrocytes?

Mature cartilage cells Signup and view all the answers

Where is hyaline cartilage found?

In the ribs, nose, trachea. Signup and view all the answers

Where is fibrocartilage found?

In intervertebral discs, joint capsules, ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

Where is elastic cartilage found?

In the external ear, epiglottis, and larynx. Signup and view all the answers

What is perichondrium?

The surface of most cartilage covered by a layer of collagen connective tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What does the outer layer of the perichondrium contain?

Collagen producing fibroblasts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the inner layer of the perichondrium contain?

Chondroblasts. Signup and view all the answers

What secretes the extracellular matrix of cartilage?

Chondroblasts. Signup and view all the answers

Where are chondroblasts produced?

In rough endoplasmic reticulum. Signup and view all the answers

What forms a nest of 2-4 cells in growing cartilage?

Isogenic groups. Signup and view all the answers

What are lacunae?

Small cavities in bone that contain osteocytes. Signup and view all the answers

Where is hyaline cartilage found in adults?

In the nose, parts of the respiratory tract, ends of ribs, and at the articular surfaces of bones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appearance of hyaline cartilage when fresh?

Glassy appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What are isogenous groups?

Clusters of chondrocytes. Signup and view all the answers

What makes fibrocartilage the strongest type of cartilage?

Alternating layers of hyaline cartilage matrix and thick layers of dense collagen fibers. Signup and view all the answers

Where is fibrocartilage located?

In intervertebral discs and cruciate ligament of the knee. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes elastic cartilage?

Chondrocytes found in a threadlike network of elastic fibers. Signup and view all the answers

Where is elastic cartilage located?

In the external ear, external auditory canal, Eustachian tube, epiglottis, and larynx. Signup and view all the answers

How does elastic cartilage appear in H&E sections?

It looks the same as hyaline cartilage. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Cartilage

Three types: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage.

Characteristics of Cartilage

Strong, flexible, semi-rigid supporting tissue.
Can withstand compression while allowing bending.
Composed of chondroblasts (forming cells), chondrocytes (mature cells), and an extracellular matrix (10% aggrecan, 75% water, collagen fibers).

Aggrecan

Major proteoglycan found in cartilage, contributing to its properties.

Chondroblasts and Chondrocytes

Chondroblasts are cartilage-forming cells.
Chondrocytes are mature cartilage cells located within lacunae.

Locations of Different Cartilage Types

Hyaline Cartilage: Most common; found in ribs, nose, trachea; serves as a precursor to bone.
Fibrocartilage: Found in intervertebral discs, joint capsules, and ligaments; provides strong support.
Elastic Cartilage: Found in the external ear, epiglottis, and larynx; provides durability and flexibility.

Perichondrium

A dense layer of collagen connective tissue covering cartilage surface.
Outer layer contains collagen-producing fibroblasts; inner layer holds chondroblasts.

Extracellular Matrix

Secreted by chondroblasts located in the outer layer of cartilage.

Chondroblast Production

Produced in rough endoplasmic reticulum; mature into chondrocytes once trapped in the matrix.

Growing Cartilage

In growing cartilage, daughter chondrocytes group together in isogenic groups (2-4 cells).
Each cell resides within a lacuna, surrounded by the matrix; active chondrocytes have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Lacunae

Small cavities within cartilage that contain chondrocytes.

Hyaline Cartilage in Adults

Present in the nose, parts of the respiratory tract, ends of ribs, and articular surfaces of bones.

Hyaline Cartilage Appearance

Glassy appearance when fresh; appears basophilic in H&E sections.
Contains widely dispersed type II collagen fibers, not easily visible in sections.
Considered the weakest cartilage type.

Isogenous Groups

Clusters of chondrocytes reflecting their last mitotic division; cells sit in lacunae within the matrix.

Fibrocartilage

Strongest cartilage type; consists of alternating layers of hyaline cartilage matrix and dense collagen fibers.
Lacks a perichondrium; functions as a transitional layer between hyaline cartilage and tendons/ligaments.

Locations of Fibrocartilage

Found in intervertebral discs and cruciate ligament of the knee.
Contains chondrocytes in lacunae and densely packed collagen fibers arranged in rows of isogenous groups.

Elastic Cartilage

Chondrocytes are embedded within a network of elastic fibers; provides strength, elasticity, and structural maintenance.
Contains a perichondrium.

Locations of Elastic Cartilage

Present in external ear, external auditory canal, Eustachian tube, epiglottis, and larynx.

Appearance of Elastic Cartilage

Similar to hyaline cartilage in H&E sections; requires special staining to differentiate.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of connective tissue, focusing on cartilage and bone. This quiz will enhance your understanding of the three types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage, as well as their characteristics and functions. Test your knowledge with these informative flashcards.