Cartilage Tissue Flashcards
(107 cards)
What 4 types of tissue are focused on in histology?
Epithelium
Muscle
Connective
Nervous
What are the characteristics of cartilage in general?
Semirigid supporting tissue - strong but slightly flexible
Withstands compressive forces incurred by locomotion and weight bearing
Avascular - no lymphatics or blood vessels
Aneural
How many types of cartilage are there?
Three
What is the location of hyaline cartilage?
Nose, articular surfaces, costal cartilage, respiratory system
• translucent blue-white appearance in fresh samples
Fetal skeleton (to be replaced eventually by bone)
What is the matrix composition of hyaline cartilage?
Type II collagen
Chondroitan sulfate
What is type II collagen?
Organizes and anchors ground substance
Only found in cartilage and thinner than type I cartilage
What is chondroitan sulfate function?
Binds water and resists compression
Provides a shock absorbing quality to cartilage matrix
This matrix is non-fibrous in appearance with routine light microscopy
What are chondrocytes?
Relatively mature cells located throughout matrix
• relatively large round cells living in lacuna
What is the lacuna?
Spaces in the matrix
In what configurations can chondrocytes be located?
Maybe located individually or within isogenous groups (clusters)
What is the function of chondrocytes?
responsible for some growth and most maintenance of cartilage matrix
What are chondroblasts?
Relatively immature cells located at the periphery of the matrix
Relatively small ovoid cells at the edge of the cartilage matrix
What is the function of chondroblasts?
Contribute to the growth and repair of cartilage matrix
What is the perichondrium?
Transition tissue at the periphery of the cartilage
Contains the vasculature and provides for growth
What are the two components of perichondrium?
Chondrogenic perichondrium
Fibrous perichondrium
What does Chondrogenic perichondrium contain?
inner layer containing chondroblasts and type II collagen
What does Fibrous perichondrium contain?
outer layer containing fibroblasts and type I collagen
Is the perichondrium present in articular cartilage?
no it is absent
Where is elastic cartilage found?
external ear, auditory tube, epiglottis, parts of larynx
What is elastic cartilage made of?
Type II collagen, chondroitan sulfate
What is the function of elastic fibers in elastic cartilage?
Provide greater elasticity than hyaline cartilage exhibits
Appear as short, sinusoidal lines in matrix (usually densely packed)
Fresh samples are more yellowish than hyaline cartilage
Are chondrocytes, chondroblasts and a perichondrium present in elastic cartilage?
Yes the only difference is elastic fibers
Where is fibrocartilage located?
intervertebral disks, pubic symphisis, articular disks, menisci of knee
what is the function of fibrocartilage?
present where tough support or tensile strength is required