The Anatomy of Hyaline Cartilage

• Chondrocytes synthesize and maintain extracellular matrix in hyaline cartilage.
• Chondrocytes can be singular or in isogenous groups.
• Isogenous groups form from recently divided chondrocytes.
• Chondrocytes secrete enzymes that degrade cartilage matrix.
• Cartilage is mostly made up of water and inorganic salts.
• Remaining constituents are collagens, PGs, and non-collagenous proteins.
• Type II collagen makes up 90%-95% of collagen in hyaline cartilage.
• Collagen provides tensile strength and shape to cartilage.
• Water and inorganic salts give cartilage its flexibility and lubricating capabilities.
• Dry weight of cartilage matrix is 40%-70% collagen.

Test your knowledge on the structural and functional properties of hyaline cartilage with this informative quiz. Learn about the role of chondrocytes in maintaining the extracellular matrix, the formation of isogenous groups, and the importance of collagen and water in providing tensile strength and flexibility. Keywords: chondrocytes, extracellular matrix, collagen, hyaline cartilage.