Cartilage

Chondrocyte

Chondrocytes are mature cells found in cartilage. They make up the cellular matrix of cartilage, performing a number of functions within the tissue, including facilitating the exchange of fluids through the gelatinous layers. Because cartilage lacks vascularization, it relies on this exchange to receive nutrients and express waste materials. Fully mature chondrocytes tend to be round, and they may cluster together in small groups within the network of the cartilage.

Elastic Fibers

Elastic fibres are essential extracellular matrix macromolecules comprising an elastin core surrounded by a mantle of fibrillin-rich microfibrils. They endow connective tissues such as blood vessels, lungs and skin with the critical properties of elasticity and resilience. The biology of elastic fibres is complex because they have multiple components, a tightly regulated developmental deposition, a multi-step hierarchical assembly and unique biomechanical functions. However, their molecular complexity is at last being unravelled by progress in identifying interactions between component molecules, ultrastructural analyses and studies of informative mouse models.

Hyaline Cartilage

The matrix contains roughly equal amounts of collagen fibers and ground substance. Since the collagen fibers are evenly distributed throughout the matrix, it generally appears as a homogenous pink or blue material. Lacunae, small open spaces, are present throughout the cartilage matrix. Chondrocytes can be found within the lacunae. There is perichondrium along the edge of this tissue. This tissue will contain immature chondrocytes known as chondroblasts and is composed mainly of dense regularly arranged connective tissue. Once the chondroblasts become surrounded by matrix, they are called chondrocytes. Hyaline cartilage is found in the growth plates of growing long bones, the rings of the trachea and bronchi, the nose, articulating surfaces of joints and the embryonic skeleton.

Elastic Cartilage

This tissue looks much like the hyaline cartilage. The major identifying feature is that the matrix contains large amounts of elastic fibers which appear dark purple in the micrographs. Elastic cartilage is found in the ears and the epiglottis.

Cartilage

Three different distinct types. All three types have some similarities including: the presence of small open spaces (Lacunae) within the matrix of the cartilage and cartilage cells (chondrocytes) occupying these openings. Cartilage has a poor blood supply and thus heals slowly when damaged.

Lacuna

a cavity or depression, especially in bon

Perichondrium

the membrane of fibrous connective tissue covering the surface of cartilages except at the joints.