Cartilage Histology

Question 1

Cartilage Composition

Answer 1

Cells (chondroblasts & chondorcytes) - ECM (glucosaminoglycans & proteoglycans) - allows for withstanding mechanical forces

Question 2

Mechanisms of cartilage growth

Answer 2

appositional (growth by addition to existing surface - generate new chondroblasts) - Interstitial (growth by internal expansion - proliferation of chondrocytes)

Question 3

3 types of cartilage

Answer 3

hyaline - elastic - fibrocartilage

Question 4

Hyaline Cartilage

Answer 4

ECM composition (75% water, proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, type II)

Question 5

Hyaline location

Answer 5

articular surfaces, nose, larynx, tracheal rings, epiphyseal plates, fetal bone

Question 6

hyaline appearance

Answer 6

fresh dissection (bluish-white) histologically (matrix is basophilic )

Question 7

Elastic Cartilage composition

Answer 7

Type II cartilage, 75% water, hyaluronic acid, elastic fibers

Question 8

Elastic Cartilage Location

Answer 8

auricle, auditory canal, auditory tube, epiglottis

Question 9

Elastic Cartilage Appearance

Answer 9

Fresh dissection (yellow) & Histo (elastic fibers are prominent)

Question 10

Fibrocartilage

Answer 10

Type I collagen, less proteoglycans than the other cartilages

Question 11

Fibrocartilage location

Answer 11

intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, major tendon bone anchorages

Question 12

Fibrocartilage appearance

Answer 12

Histologically (between dense regular and hyaline) - chondrocytes arranged in long rows separated by coarse collagen fibers - matrix is acidophilic