cartillage

Question 1

Extracellular matrix

Answer 1

is unique:
- Ground substance is mostly water (GAGs attract water)
- Network of thin collagen fibrils
Anchors the ground substance

Question 2

properties of cartilage

Answer 2

• flexible and Resilient

• after compression OR tension
• Avascular( contains no blood vessels)
• Not innervated (unlike other CTs)-supply of nerves.
• Usually surrounded by perichondrium:

Question 3

cells

Answer 3

• Chondroblasts (when young)
• Chondrocytes (when surrounded by matrix)
  • inside lacunae

Question 4

perichondrium

Answer 4

The connective tissue that envelops cartilage where it is not at a joint.
As cartilage injuries are hard to heal it is best if the injury is closest to the perichondrium.
• Dense irregular CT
• Helps cartilage resist compression
• Functions in growth & repair of cartilage

Question 5

Three types of cartilage:

Answer 5

Hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage

Question 6

Hyaline cartilage

Answer 6

• Hyaline = looks like “glass” • Most common type
• Network of thin collagen fibrils
• Physical properties.

• Where found:

• Trachea
• Costal cartilages (Covers ends of bones in joints)
• Developing & growing bones (fetus)

Question 7

Elastic cartilage

Answer 7

•  Fibers:
- Elastic fibers (Network of thin collagen fibrils)
•  Physical properties?
- Tolerates repeated bending
•  Where found?
- External ear - Epiglottis

Question 8

Fibrocartilage

Answer 8

• Network of thin collagen fibrils
  …alternating with zones of:
• Thick collagen fibers (all parallel)
  • Physical properties?

• Where found:

• Intervertebral discs
• Meniscus of knee joint - Pubic symphysis

Question 9

Category of CT #3- BONE

Answer 9

• Ground substance = calcium salts (mostly) • Like “concrete”
• Physical property?
• Fibers = lots of collagen fibers (only)
• Physical property? But: Not flexible or resilient
• Cells: Osteoblasts become __________ when surrounded by matrix.

Question 10

Category of CT #4- BLOOD

Answer 10

• Why is blood a connective tissue?
- Large amount of extracellular matrix = plasma
(mainly water)
- Develops from mesenchyme