Cartilage

Question 1

What is the origin of cartilage tissue?

Answer 1

Mesenchyme, which differentiates into chondroblasts

Question 2

What is the function of chondroblasts?

Answer 2

Secrete extracellular matrix and eventually become chondrocytes (due to becoming entrapped within lacunae)

Question 3

What is the composition of cartilage?

Answer 3

• no inorganic substances
• mesenchymal cells.
• collagen fibres
• ground substance made up of protein, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycan’s, water and lipids.

Question 4

What often surrounds cartilage?

Answer 4

Perichondrium (a form of dense irregular connective tissue)

Question 5

When does cartilage appear in an embryo?

Answer 5

Around the fifth week

Question 6

What is an embryo skeleton made of at this time?

Answer 6

Hyaline cartilage (remnants remain as growth plates)

Question 7

What type of collagen is in hyaline cartilage?

Answer 7

Type 2

Question 8

Where is hyaline cartilage found?

Answer 8

• Respiratory passageways
• Ends of long bones
• anterior ends of ribs
• foetal skeleton

Question 9

What is the structure and function of hyaline cartilage?

Answer 9

• firm, flexible and smooth

- allows for movement and support

Question 10

Is there perichondrium surrounding hyaline cartilage?

Answer 10

Yes, apart from on articulating surfaces

Question 11

Why does hyaline cartilage rely on diffusion for nutrients?

Answer 11

It is avascular

Question 12

Where is elastic cartilage found?

Answer 12

• auditory tubes
• external ear
• epiglottis

Question 13

What is the function of elastic cartilage?

Answer 13

To provide support and maintain shape of structures. Flexibility

Question 14

Is there perichondrium surrounding elastic cartilage?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

What does the matrix contain for elastic cartilage?

Answer 15

Collagen and many elastic fibres

Question 16

Is elastic cartilage avascular?

Answer 16

Yes

Question 17

What type of collagen is fibrocartilage made of?

Answer 17

• 1

- in thick bundles

Question 18

Where is fibrocartilage found?

Answer 18

Intervertebral discs
Menisci
Pubic symphsis

Question 19

What is the function of fibrocartilage?

Answer 19

-strongest cartilage so it is used to for support and rigidity. –Found in joints where resistance, durability and strength needed

Question 20

Is there perichondrium surrounding fibrocartilage?

Answer 20

No

Question 21

What is the clinical relevance of hyaline cartilage?

Answer 21

• It can calcify in old-age. It is susceptible to degenerative ageing process (increased rate of calcification due to more chondrocytes and cell death).
• Joint pain can be due to erosion of hyaline cartilage at the end of long bones.

Question 22

What is the rheumatoid arthritis caused by?

Answer 22

• autoimmune disease

- Secondary destruction of articular cartilage

Question 23

What is the clinical relevance of fibrocartilage?

Answer 23

• Rupture of the annulus fibrosus (intervertebral disc capsule) leads to a slipped disc
• tearing of the menisci