connective tissue

Question 1

Cartilage functions and structure?

Answer 1

• Firm tissue but softer and more flexible than bone
• Gives shape, supports and structures other body tissues
• Keeps joint mobility smooth by covering the joint’s bone surfaces
• Protects the bones from trauma

Question 2

Cartilage types

Answer 2

1. Hyaline cartilage : slippery and smooth which helps your bones move smoothly past each other in your joints
2. Fibrocartilage: hard/dense/distributes trauma
3. Elastic cartilage: provides both strength and elasticity to certain parts of the body, such as the ears

Question 3

Tendon funtions and structure?

Answer 3

• Soft fibrous tissue, similar to rope with collagen fibre bundles making it stronger
• Connects muscle to bone
• Transfers muscle-generated force to skeleton
• Inflexible
• Able to resist high forces

Question 4

Ligaments functions and structure?

Answer 4

• Dense fibrous bundles of collagenous fibres and fibrocytes
• Connects bone to bone
• Stabilises joints and keeps the structure intact
• Ensures nothing is dislocated