Session 8 Cartilage And Bone

Question 1

Describe the composition of cartilage in terms of its cells and extracellular components.

Answer 1

Chondrocytes
(Surrounded by a dense network of) 
elastic fibers and collagen fibers,
Water,
Ground substances 
(Constitute the cartilage matrix)

Question 2

Relate the different anatomical distribution of the 3 major types of cartilage to their different functions.

Answer 2

Hyaline cartilage: persists through adolescence and into adulthood as costal cartilages, articular cartilage of movable joints, and cartilage of the nose, thyroid, cricoid,trachea and bronchi.
During childhood and adolescence, hyaline cartilage also present in the epiphyseal growth plates. [assist resilience to the repeated application of pressure ]

Elastic cartilage: present in external ear, eustachian tube and epiglottis. [extra flexibility and support]

Fibrocartilage: in areas of directional stress( intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, articular discs associated with knee, in the temporomandibular and sternocavicular joints)
[resistance to compression, durability and tensile strength]

Question 3

Classify the 3 types of cartilage and describe the structural differences between them.

Answer 3

Hyaline cartilage: chondrocyte, isogenous groups
Elastic cartilage: chondrocyte, elastic fibers
Fibrocartilage: chondrocytes, fibroblasts

Question 4

Recognize the following in photomicrographs and discuss their anatomical locations and salient histological features in relation to their functions.

Answer 4

Hyaline cartilage: cartilage extracellular matrix is highly hydrated. Water is non-compressible and so permits resilience to increased loads.
Cartilage in trachea reinforces trachea and helps to protect and maintain airway.
In articulating ends provide flexibility.

Elastic cartilage: elastic fibers confers elasticity

Fibrocartilage: collegen I works as shock absorber and can resist shearing force.

Question 5

Name the bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton

Answer 5

See diagram