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?
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What are chondrocytes?
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Where is hyaline cartilage found?
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Where is fibrocartilage found?
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Where is elastic cartilage found?
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What is perichondrium?
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What does the outer layer of the perichondrium contain?
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What does the inner layer of the perichondrium contain?
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What secretes the extracellular matrix of cartilage?
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Where are chondroblasts produced?
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What forms a nest of 2-4 cells in growing cartilage?
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What are lacunae?
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Where is hyaline cartilage found in adults?
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What is the appearance of hyaline cartilage when fresh?
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What are isogenous groups?
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What makes fibrocartilage the strongest type of cartilage?
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Where is fibrocartilage located?
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What characterizes elastic cartilage?
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Where is elastic cartilage located?
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How does elastic cartilage appear in H&E sections?
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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.