Cartilage Flashcards
What 3 things are common to all types of cartilage?
- Avascular
- ECM containing Proteoglycans and GAGs (E.g Hyaluronic Acid)
- Chondrocytes
How do perichondrial cells end up as chondrocytes?
What do chondrocytes do?
How does the ECM act as a shock absorber?
- Perichondrial cells (At edge) develop into Chondroblasts
- Mature into Chondrocytes
- Produce, maintain the ECM
- High water content, so incompressible
Compare Interstital and Appositional Growth
App: Growth of chondrocytes from side
Int: Growth of chondrocytes from centre
What are the 3 cartilage types?
Where are they found?
Hyaline- Ribcage, Trachea, Larynx (Articular- Between long bones or in joints)
Elastic- Epiglottis, Pinna of ear, Eustachian Tube
Fibrocartilage- Invertebral discs, Pubic Symphisis
How does Fibrocartilage appear under a microscope?
What are it’s functions?
- Chondrocytes arranged in rows, no perichondrium
- Collagen fibres visible
- Acts as shock absorber
- Resists shearing forces
How does Elastic Cartilage appear under a microscope?
What is the function of this type of cartilage?
- Darker staining elastic fibres
- Tough, flexible, allows stretching and movement
What Collagen types in Fibro, Hyaline, Elastic cartilage?
Fibro- Type 1 collagen
Hyaline- Type 2 Collagen
Elastic- Type 2 collagen
How does Hyaline cartilage appear under a microscope?
What is it’s function?
- Fibres can’t be seen
- Shock absorber (Lots of hyaluronic acid)
