Histology of cartilage Flashcards
What are the four basic tissues in the human body?
A: Epithelium, Connective tissue, Muscle tissue, Nerve tissue.
What is the primary role of connective tissue?
To support the other three basic tissues of the body.
What are the types of connective tissue?
Loose or Dense; Dense can be regular or irregular.
What are the main constituents of cartilage?
Cells, Ground substance (matrix), and Fibers.
What are the roles of cartilage in the body?
Provides smooth articular surfaces, acts as a shock absorber, offers structural support, and aids in new bone formation.
What type of collagen is predominant in hyaline cartilage?
Type II collagen fibrils.
What is the significance of the high water content in the cartilage matrix?
It is essential for the resilience of the cartilage.
How does cartilage receive nourishment?
By diffusion through the water in the ground substance, as cartilage is avascular.
Where is hyaline cartilage found in the body?
Articular ends of bones, costal cartilage, trachea, bronchi, larynx, epiphyseal growth plate, nasal septum, and fetal skeleton.
What is the function of the perichondrium in cartilage?
It surrounds hyaline cartilage, providing a source of new cartilage cells, except at the articular ends of joints, sites of bone formation, nasal, and costal cartilages.
What is the difference between appositional and interstitial growth in cartilage?
Appositional growth adds new cartilage on the surface, increasing diameter, while interstitial growth occurs within existing cartilage, increasing length.
Why is the repair of cartilage poor?
Due to the avascularity of cartilage, immobility of chondrocytes, and the limited ability of mature chondrocytes to proliferate.
What clinical condition is associated with damage to articular cartilage?
Osteoarthritis
What are the locations where elastic cartilage is found?
External ear (pinna), external auditory canal, Eustachian tube, epiglottis, apex of arytenoid cartilage, corniculate, and cuneiform cartilages.
What type of collagen is abundant in fibrocartilage?
Type I collagen, with some Type II collagen.
Describe the origin of chondrocytes
