Cartilage

Question 1

Give composition of cartilage in terms of cells and extracellular components

Answer 1

Chondrocytes, Collagen fibres, Extracellular matrix

Question 2

Chondrocytes

Answer 2

Only cell type in cartilage: produce and maintain matrix

Can differentiate into osteoblasts (endochondral ossification)

Question 3

Collagen fibres

Answer 3

Type II: provide tensile strength, resiliency and structural integrity

Question 4

Extracellular matrix

Answer 4

Sulphated proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans

Provide resilience, elasticity and non-compressibility

Question 5

Classify the 3 major types of cartilage, describing the structural differences between them

Answer 5

Hyaline cartilage, Elastic, Fibrocartilage

Question 6

Hyaline cartilage

Answer 6

Chondrocytes situated in fluid filled lacunae
Matrix between cells contains many collagenous fibres
Perichondrium (vascularised)

Question 7

Elastic

Answer 7

Contains many elastic and collagen fibres
Does not calcify or ossify in old age
perichondrium

Question 8

Fibrocartilage

Answer 8

Irregular dense fibrous tissue with few chondrocytes

Meniscus, intervertebral discs and pubic symphisis

Question 9

Relate the different anatomical distribution of the Hyaline to its different functions

Answer 9

Trachea, larynx, nose tip, connections between ribs and breastbone, bone ends where the form joints (no perichondrium here), forms fetal bone
Reduces friction, permit movement, provides support (c rings keep windpipes open), longitudinal growth

Question 10

Relate the different anatomical distribution of Elastic cartilage to its different functions

Answer 10

Pinna, epiglottis, parts of larynx

Maintains shape, support

Question 11

Relate the different anatomical distribution of fibrocartilage to its different functions

Answer 11

Discs between vertebrae, between pubic bones, edges of articular cavities
Shock absorbance, sturdiness without allowing movement, deepens sockets