A&P Lecture Chapter 6.2

describe the structure of hyaline cartilage

contains chondroblasts, which becomes a chondrocyte, which occupies a lacuna within the matrix. the matrix contains collagen and proteoglycans. the perichondrium covers most cartilage

matrix

contains collagen fibers to provide strength and proteoglycans for resiliency

articular cartilage

covers bones at the joins and has no perichondrium

growth of cartilage

cartilage grows in 2 ways. appositional-where chondroblasts in the perichondrium add new cartilage to the outside edge of the existing cartilage. interstitial-chondrocytes within the tissue divide and add more matrix between the cells

cartilage

consists of specialized cells that produce matrix which are chondroblasts and chondrocytes

explain the types of cartilage growth

appositional-chondroclasts in the perichondrium add new cartilage to the outside edge of the existing cartilage. the chondroblasts lay down new matrix and add new chondrocytes to the outside of the tissue. in interstitial growth, chondrocytes within the tissue divide and add more matrix between the existing cells

chondroblasts

form matrix

perichondrium

is a double layered connective tissue sheath that covers cartilage, except at articulations. inner perichondrium is more delicate, has fewer fibers, and contains chondroblasts. outer perichondrium is penetrated by blood vessels and nerves. there is no blood vessels in the cartilage itself

relate the importance of cartilage to the structure of the skeletal system

it provides support and is the precursor for most bones bc it is involved in bone lengthening and repair

chondrocytes

when a matrix surrounds a chondroblast, it becomes a chondrocyte which occupies a space called a lacuna