Cartilage Flashcards
Where is cartilage found ?
In the embryo cartilage is more prevalent than in adults. This is because the skeleton initially is mostly cartilage. This cartilage is then replaced by bone during the foetal development and childhood.
In the adult cartilage is found in the skeleton in the form of costal cartilage it is also found in the nose, external ear, trachea and larynx.
What is cartilage ?
it is a semi rigid, flexible connective tissue. Cartilage has a high mechanical strength. It is avascular and anural and so it gains its nutrients by long rang diffusion from blood vessel son its periphery.
What is the function of cartilage ?
Support in tissues and organs
Safford in bone development
What does cartilage contain ?
Cells
Matrix
What are the names of the two cells found in cartilage ?
Chondroblasts
Chondrocytes
What % of the matrix is made up of water ?
75%
Apart from water what else can be found in the ECM of cartilage ?
Molecules and fibres whose direction is determined by the mechanical forces acting on the cartilage.
What are chondroblasts ?
Immature cells derived from mesenchyme cells. They are often small and flat or irregular in shape.
They get bigger with age and mature into chondrocytes once’s surrounded by matrix.
What is the function of chondroblasts ?
They secrete extracellular matrix and fibres.
What are chondrocytes ?
Mature cells derived from chondroblasts. They have a small nucleus and often accumulate large lipid droplets in cells.
They are grouped in lacunae within matrix and there function is also to secrete extracellular matrix but they are less active than chondroblasts.
Describe the extracellular matrix
Mostly type II collagen fibres
Some elastin
What molecules are found in the extracellular matrix ?
GAGs
Proteoglycan’s which are a protein core with GAGs surrounding it
Glycoproteins
What are the three main types of cartilage
Hyaline
Elastic
Fibrocartilage
Where is hyaline cartilage found ?
Synovial joints, costal regions, nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, epiphyseal growth plate.
Where is elastic cartilage found ?
External ear, Larynx, epiglottis,
