Cartilage Flashcards
What is cartilage?
- A firm, avascular, non calcified connective tissue
- Acts as a template for skeletal system
- Forms much of temporary skeleton in foetus
What is the main structure of cartilage?
Cells and matrix surrounded by a sheath (perichondrium).
What are the 3 different types of cartilage?
Hyaline
Fibrous
Elastic
All begin at hyaline and then modify according to need.
Where is hyaline cartilage found?
- Articulating surfaces of bone
- Attach the ribs to the sternum
- Larynx, trachea, bronchi and nose.
What is the structure of hyaline cartilage?
- Small groups of chondrocyte cells
- Smooth and solid matrix
- Appears as smooth, bluish white glassy tissue
- Not easily repaired after injury.
Where is fibrous cartilage found?
- TMJ
- Intervertebral discs
- Surrounding rim of bony sockets in shoulder and pelvis.
What is the structure of fibrous cartilage?
- Dense, tough and slightly flexible
- Groups of chondrocytes separated from each other by thick collagen fibres
- Collagen fibres arranged in tight parallel bundles.
Where is elastic cartilage found?
- Epiglottis
- Outer ear (pinna)
- Nasal tip
- Blood vessel walls.
What is the structure of elastic cartilage?
- Dense network of elastic fibres allowing it to be most flexible
- Intracellular matrix.
What type of cartilage would be found at TMJ?
Fibrous cartilage
What does cartilage depend on for cellular nutrition?
Perichondrium (outer sheath)
What are the 2 ways cartilage can grow?
Interstitial growth
Appositional growth
What cartilage growth adds fresh layers of matrix to existing matrix by chondroblasts in perichondrium?
Appositional growth
What cartilage growth do chondrocytes divide and multiply to create new matrixes inside existing cartilage?
Interstital growth
What are the cells that make up cartilage?
Immature chondroblasts and mature chondrocytes
