Cartilage Flashcards
What is cartilage?
Specialized connective tissue providing the skeletal framework of the body.
What does it mean that cartilage is avascular?
It has no nerves or lymphatic supply, meaning few or no blood vessels.
What is the origin of cartilage?
Cartilage is derived from embryonic mesenchyme.
What are the components of the extracellular matrix of cartilage?
70-75% water
15-20% collagen
2-10% proteoglycans
Where is hyaline cartilage found?
In the trachea.
What are the functions of hyaline cartilage?
Provides a smooth, low-friction surface in joints.
Supports growth and shaping of long bones.
Lines the articular surface of synovial joints.
What is unique about chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage?
They form isogenous groups surrounded by interterritorial matrix.
They cannot undergo mitosis.
What makes elastic cartilage unique?
It is more flexible and elastic than other types.
What does the extracellular matrix of elastic cartilage contain?
A small amount of amorphous material and a small number of type II collagen.
How does elastic cartilage grow?
Appositional growth (from perichondrium).
Interstitial growth.
Does elastic cartilage undergo calcification?
No, it does not undergo calcification.
What are the key features of fibrocartilage?
Interlacing strands of fibrous tissue through the matrix.
Provides tensile strength due to collagen.
Where is fibrocartilage found?
Symphysis pubis.
Annulus fibrosus of intervertebral discs.
Bone-to-tendon attachments.
Does fibrocartilage have a perichondrium?
No, it lacks a distinct perichondrium.
What type of collagen does fibrocartilage contain?
Type I and type II collagen
