Cartilage Histology Flashcards
Define cartilage
A semi-rigid tissue comprised of cells and ECM
What does the ECM of cartilage contain and why is this important
Collagen and elastic fibers
These are crucial to the survival of chondrocytes
Are there nerves or lymphs or arteries in cartilage
No
What are the two cell types of cartilage and what is their relationship
Chondroblasts and chondrocytes
Chondroblasts are immature cells that are mitoticly active. They secrete cartilage matrix when told to do so which makes chondrocytes
Chondrocytes are mature cartilage cells which make their own lacunae (a physical space within ECM)
What type of collagen is most dominant in the ECM of cartilage? Where can the two other types be found
Type II is most dominant
Type I is present in firbocartilage and outer perichondirum
Elastin fibers are present in elastic cartilage
What is the ground substance of cartilage composed of
Proteoglycans
What are the three types of cartilage
Hylaine
Elastic
Fibrocartilage
Define hyaline cartilage
Surrounded by?
Contains what collagen?
Location in body?
Surrounded by perichondrium
Contains type II collagen
Located in articular cartilage, larynx, trachea, ribs
Define elastic cartilage
Surrounded by?
Contains what collagen?
Location in body?
Surrounded by perichondrium
Contains type II collagen
Located in external ear, epiglottis auditory tube
Define fibrocartilage
Surrounded by?
Contains what collagen?
Location in body?
Lacks a perichondrium
Contains type I collagen
Located in IVD, pubic symphsis, TMJ
What are the two types of cartilage matrix
Territorial matrix
Interterritorial matrix
What are isogenous groups
Groups of 2 - 3 chondrocytes in Hyaline cartilage
Define territorial matrix
Contains moderate staining
Consists mainly of type II collagen randomly arranged
High in GAGs
Define interterritorial matrix
Surrounds the territorial matrix
Less intense staining
Contains more collagen type II with fewer proteoglycans
Which cartilage ECM has more proteoglycans
Territorial matrix
What cartilage is used in bone development
Hyaline cartilage
Define the perichondrium
Comprised of dense irregular CT
Contains vascular supply for cartilage
Only has hyaline and elastic cartilage
Is the source of new cartilage cells
Contains two layers
What is the function of the fibrous layer of the perichondrium
This is the outer layer that produces Type I collagen and elastin
Is also the transitional zone between cartilage and the surrounding CT
What is the function of the chondrogenic layer of the perichondrium
Inner layer that differentiates into chrondroblasts and then into chondrocytes in the fibrous layer
Secretes type II collagen
Define elastic cartilage
Contains hylaine cartilage plus elastic fibers within the ECM
Allows for recoil and rebound
Retains shape after deformation
Define fibrocartilage
Combination of hyaline cartilage and dense regular CT
Contains type I and II collagen
Chondrocytes are aligned in rows and isogenous groups
Withstands compression and shearing forces
How are fibers oriented in firbocartilage
In the direction of functional stress
Define appositional growth within chondrogenesis
Formation of new cartilage on surface of existing cartilage
Achieved through inner layer of perichondrium
Will come back
Define interstitial growth
Takes place within a cartilage mass
Chondorcytes divide within lacunae, creating new isogenous groups
More matrix is secreted
More chondrocytes formed from existing chondrocytes