S12) Cartilage Flashcards

1
Q

What is cartilage?

A

Cartilage is an avascular tissue that consists of an extensive extracellular matrix in which lie chondrocytes

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2
Q

What are chondrocytes and what do they do?

A

The chondrocytes are cartilage cells which produce and maintain the extracellular matrix

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3
Q

What is the role of glycosaminoglycans?

A

GAGs permit ready diffusion of substances between the chondrocytes and the blood vessels surrounding the cartilage

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4
Q

Describe the structure of the extracellular matrix

A

The extracellular matrix is solid and firm, but also rather pliable and therefore resilient to the repeated application of pressure (hyaluronic acid assists this)

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5
Q

Explain how the structure of the extracellular matrix is adapted to its function

A

High hydration & transient movement of water in the matrix, permits resilience to varying pressure loads

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6
Q

Identify and distinguish between the structure of the three types of cartilage

A
  • Hyaline cartilage: matrix containing proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid and type II collagen

- Elastic cartilage: matrix like hyaline cartilage but with many elastic fibres and elastic lamellae

- Fibrocartilage: matrix like hyaline cartilage but with abundant type I collagen fibres

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7
Q

Where can hyaline cartilage be found?

A
  • Nose cartilage
  • Articular cartilage of joint
  • Costal cartilage
  • Trachea cartilage
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8
Q

The only cell type in hyaline cartilage is the chondrocyte.

Describe its role and properties

A
  • Chondrocytes are present singly or, if recently divided, as small clusters called isogenous groups
  • The chondrocytes within the isogenous groups separate as they lay down extracellular matrix
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9
Q

Explain the role of hyaline cartilage in bone development

A

In early foetal development, hyaline cartilage is the precursor model of those bones which develop by endochondral ossification

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10
Q

What is the role of the perichondrium?

A
  • Fibroblast-like cells of the perichondrium give rise to flat, new formed chondroblasts
  • The chondroblasts secrete matrix components and round up to develop into chondrocytes
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11
Q

In terms of cartilage, distinguish between appositional and interstitial growth

A

- Appositional growth: involves an increase in width due to growth from the periphery (perichondrium)

  • Interstitial growth: involves an increase in length due to the deposition of further matrix by isogenous groups deeper in the cartilage
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12
Q

What do chondrocytes lie in?

A

Each chondrocyte lies in a lacuna (pl. lacunae)

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13
Q

Where can elastic cartilage be found ?

A
  • External ear (pinna)
  • Epiglottis
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14
Q

Explain how elastic cartilage differs from that of hyaline

A
  • The many elastic fibres confers elasticity upon the cartilage, in addition to the resilience of hyaline cartilage
  • Elastic cartilage does not calcify (hyaline calcifies with age)
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15
Q

Where can fibrocartilage be found?

A
  • Intervertebral discs
  • Pubic symphysis
  • Sternoclavicular joint
  • Meniscus
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16
Q

What are the cell types found in fibrocartilage?

A
  • Chondrocytes
  • Fibroblasts
17
Q

Explain how fibrocartilage differs from hyaline cartilage

A
  • Fibrocartilage is a combination of dense regular connective tissue and hyaline cartilage
  • The cells are often distributed in rows and there is no surrounding perichondrium
18
Q

What is the primary function of fibrocartilage?

A

Fibrocartilage has the resilience to act as a shock absorber and to resist shearing forces