Overview of Cartilage Anatomy and Types

Which characteristic is true for hyaline cartilage?

Where is fibrous cartilage primarily located?

Which type of cartilage contains elastic fibers?

Which of the following statements about hyaline cartilage is incorrect?

What is a defining feature of fibrous cartilage?

What is the primary role of chondroblasts in cartilage?

Which of the following types of cartilage is primarily found in the embryonic skeleton?

What is the composition of the cartilage matrix primarily made of?

What function does the perichondrium serve in cartilage?

Which type of cartilage is best known for its flexibility?

How much of the dry weight of cartilage is contributed by its fibres?

What occurs to hyaline cartilage as it matures?

What impact does a dysfunction in the TMJ cartilage typically have?

Cartilage overview

Cartilage is a firm, avascular, non-calcified connective tissue.
It forms much of the temporary skeleton in the embryo/fetus.
Important for flexibility in moving joints.
Cartilage depends on its surrounding connective tissue (perichondrium) for nutrition.

Cartilage structure

Composed of cells and a matrix.
The matrix contains fibers, collagen, and intracellular substances.
Cartilage cells include chondroblasts (immature cells that produce matrix) and chondrocytes (mature chondroblasts that maintain the matrix).

Cartilage matrix

Ground substance: Highly hydrogenated gel composed of proteoglycan, chondronectin, and water.
Fibers: Type and number of fibers depend on the type of cartilage.
Perichondrium: Capsular sheath that surrounds cartilage.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline: Most common type, particularly in fetuses and infants.
Fibrous: Dense, tough, and slightly flexible.
Elastic: Contains elastic fibers in the intracellular matrix, least common type.

Hyaline Cartilage

Smooth and solid matrix.
Appears bluish-white and glassy.
Not easily repaired following injury.

Hyaline Cartilage Location

Articulating surfaces of bone.
Costal cartilages (ribs to sternum).
Cartilages of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

Fibrous Cartilage

Groups of chondrocytes separated by thick collagen bundles.
Collagen fibers arranged in parallel bundles.

Fibrous Cartilage location

Intervertebral discs.
Knee and jaw joints.
Around bony sockets of hip and shoulder joints.
Pubic symphysis.

Elastic Cartilage

Features elastic fibers in the intracellular matrix.

Elastic Cartilage Location

Pinna of the ear.
Epiglottis.
Tunica media of blood vessel walls.

Explore the fascinating world of cartilage, a crucial connective tissue in the body. This quiz covers cartilage structure, types, and matrix composition, highlighting its importance in the temporary skeleton of embryos and the flexibility of joints. Test your knowledge on the cells and the surrounding perichondrium essential for its function.