Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the avascular nature of cartilage affect its ability to repair itself following an injury, and what cellular mechanisms are consequently limited?
How does the avascular nature of cartilage affect its ability to repair itself following an injury, and what cellular mechanisms are consequently limited?
- Avascularity enhances rapid repair due to the direct access of circulating growth factors and immune cells.
- Avascularity impairs the delivery of nutrients and immune cells, limiting chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis for repair. (correct)
- Avascularity does not affect repair processes, as chondrocytes are metabolically inactive and rely on anaerobic metabolism.
- Avascularity promotes repair by preventing inflammation, thus preserving the extracellular matrix and cellular integrity.
Considering the varying locations of hyaline cartilage within the body, which functional demand is best reflected by its presence in both articular surfaces and respiratory passages?
Considering the varying locations of hyaline cartilage within the body, which functional demand is best reflected by its presence in both articular surfaces and respiratory passages?
- Hyaline cartilage is primarily located where rigid structural support is paramount, such as in bone ossification centers.
- Hyaline cartilage is located in areas requiring both smooth, low-friction movement and flexible support to maintain patency. (correct)
- Hyaline cartilage serves mainly as a shock absorber in areas subjected to repetitive high-impact loads.
- Hyaline cartilage is exclusively found in regions needing high tensile strength and resistance to compressive forces.
If the chondrogenic layer of the perichondrium were damaged, what would be the MOST immediate consequence for the cartilage tissue it surrounds?
If the chondrogenic layer of the perichondrium were damaged, what would be the MOST immediate consequence for the cartilage tissue it surrounds?
- Reduced appositional growth and repair capabilities due to the loss of chondroblasts, which are responsible for synthesizing new matrix. (correct)
- Accelerated hypertrophy of existing chondrocytes leading to increased cartilage volume.
- Increased diffusion of nutrients due to increased porosity of the perichondrium after the damage.
- Increased calcification of the cartilage matrix due to unopposed action of matrix metalloproteinases.
How would the disruption of the collagen fibers within the outer fibrous layer of the perichondrium affect the adjacent muscle attachments and overall joint stability?
How would the disruption of the collagen fibers within the outer fibrous layer of the perichondrium affect the adjacent muscle attachments and overall joint stability?
In what ways do the ultrastructural characteristics of chondroblasts, specifically their abundant rER and Golgi apparatus, directly support their primary function in cartilage formation?
In what ways do the ultrastructural characteristics of chondroblasts, specifically their abundant rER and Golgi apparatus, directly support their primary function in cartilage formation?
How does the arrangement of collagen fibers and chondrocytes contribute to the functional differences between hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage?
How does the arrangement of collagen fibers and chondrocytes contribute to the functional differences between hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage?
What is the primary reason why collagen fibers are typically not visible under a light microscope (LM) in hyaline cartilage?
What is the primary reason why collagen fibers are typically not visible under a light microscope (LM) in hyaline cartilage?
Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between the growth mechanisms of appositional and interstitial cartilage growth?
Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between the growth mechanisms of appositional and interstitial cartilage growth?
Given the structural components of white fibrocartilage, at which anatomical site would its unique characteristics be most advantageous?
Given the structural components of white fibrocartilage, at which anatomical site would its unique characteristics be most advantageous?
Why is the presence of elastic fibers in yellow elastic cartilage functionally significant, and where is this type of cartilage typically found?
Why is the presence of elastic fibers in yellow elastic cartilage functionally significant, and where is this type of cartilage typically found?
Flashcards
Cartilage
Cartilage
A specialized connective tissue with a firm, flexible, rubbery matrix. It's avascular, receiving nutrients from surrounding tissues.
Hyaline Cartilage
Hyaline Cartilage
The most common type of cartilage, found in joints, respiratory passages and fetal skeleton.
Perichondrium
Perichondrium
A layer of dense connective tissue surrounding cartilage, providing nutrition, growth, and muscle attachment.
Fibrous Layer (of Perichondrium)
Fibrous Layer (of Perichondrium)
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Chondroblasts
Chondroblasts
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Cartilage Matrix Composition
Cartilage Matrix Composition
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Cartilage Fibers
Cartilage Fibers
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Yellow Elastic Cartilage
Yellow Elastic Cartilage
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White Fibrocartilage
White Fibrocartilage
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Appositional Cartilage Growth
Appositional Cartilage Growth
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Study Notes
- Cartilage is a specialized type of connective tissue consisting of matrix, cells, and fibers
- Exhibits a firm and flexible rubbery matrix.
- It is avascular and receives nutrition from the perichondrium, bone, or synovial fluid.
- There are three types of cartilage: hyaline, yellow elastic, and white fibro-cartilage.
- It provides smooth movement in joints.
- It provides support to soft tissues.
- It maintains patency of airways.
- Plays a role in the growth of bones.
Hyaline Cartilage
- Also known as "glass" cartilage due to its transparent appearance ("Hyalo" means glass).
- It is the most common type of cartilage.
- Found in articular cartilage, epiphyseal plates, respiratory passages, costal cartilage, and fetal skeleton.
Structure of cartilage
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Perichondrium:
- Outer fibrous layer: made of collagen fibers and fibroblasts
- Inner chondrogenic layer: made of chondroblasts
- Perichondrium is noticeably absent on articular surfaces of joints
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Functions of perichondrium:
- Nutrition
- Growth
- Muscle attachment
-
Cells:
- Chondroblasts:
- Located in the inner layer of the perichondrium.
- Has an oval shape with an oval pale nucleus and dark basophilic cytoplasm
- Known as protein-forming cells
- Chondroblasts:
-
Matrix:
- Basophilic and homogenous in appearance, contains chondroitin sulfate.
- Secreted by chondroblasts and chondrocytes.
- Made of proteoglycans, glycoprotein, and water.
-
Fibers:
- Composed of collagen type II.
- Fibers are often not visible in light microscopy due to their thinness and similar refractive index to the matrix.
Yellow Elastic Cartilage
- Flexible and appears yellow when fresh.
- Structure is similar to hyaline cartilage but contains elastic fibers.
- Found in the ear pinna, Eustachian tube, epiglottis, and external auditory canal.
White Fibro-Cartilage
- Tough and rigid in nature.
- Lacks a perichondrium.
- Contains parallel bundles of collagen type I, separated by rows of chondrocytes.
- Found in intervertebral discs, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), symphysis pubis, lips of glenoid and acetabular cavity, and semilunar cartilage of the knee.
Growth of Cartilage
- Appositional:
- Occurs from the outer surface.
- Chondroblasts in the perichondrium create new matrix and fibers on the surface.
- Interstitial:
- Occurs from within the cartilage.
- Chondrocytes divide from inside.
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Description
Explore hyaline cartilage, the most common cartilage type, known for its glassy appearance. Learn about its structure, including the perichondrium with its fibrous and chondrogenic layers. Discover its presence in articular cartilage, epiphyseal plates, respiratory passages, and its crucial functions.
