Connective Tissue: Cartilage: Exam # 3
What kinds of cells are in fibrocartilage?
chondrocytes and chondroblasts
What causes interstitial growth of cartilage?
mitotic division of pre-existing chondrocytes
What are the two main parts you see when looking at hyaline cartilage?
1. The matrix (Type II collagen and hydrophillic GAGs) 2. The cells. (chondrocytes)
What are the three types of cartilage?
1. fibrocartilage 2. hyaline cartilage 3. elastic cartilage
What kinds of cells make up hyaline cartilage?
1. perichondrial fibroblast 2. chondroblast 3. chondrocyte 4. synthesis of the cartilage matrix
Where is fibrocartilage mostly found?
Between discs and vertebrae, also between bones in the hip and pelvis
What kind of connective tissue surrounds fibrocartilage and why does this make sense?
Dense irregular CT surrounds fibrocartilage. This makes sense because both types of tissue have the function of providing strength in all directions (limited movement is okay).
Where is hyaline cartilage mainly found?
In the bronchial tree (trachea, etc), between the ribs, and on joint surfaces (articular cartilage).
What is the function of elastic cartilage?
It can change and return to the same shape.
What is the structure of the annulus fibrosis?
It consists of an external layer of dense irregular CT with fibrocartilage (contains bundles of Type I collagen at 90 degree angles)-VERY strong
What is the structure of hyaline cartilage?
It is made up of cells and a cartilage matrix. The matrix is made up of Type II collagen, GAGs, and water. (The GAGs will be the type that are hydrophilic.) It is covered by a perichondrium except at the articular ends of bones.
What is the structure of the nucleus pulposus?
Its composed of mainly water with some Type I collagen fibers. It is much larger in children and regresses as we age.
Is hyaline cartilage well- vascularized and innervated?
No. It's avascular and aneural. It gets blood and innervation from the surrounding perichondrium. This limits the thickness it can have.
What makes up the matrix of fibrocartilage?
Type I collagen and GAGs
What kind of collagen does fibrocartilage have?
Type I collagen. This makes sense because fibrocartilage is much stronger than other kinds of cartilage.
What kind of collagen fibers make up hyaline cartilage?
Type II collagen fibers
What is the structure of elastic cartilage?
Type II collagen, elastin, and GAGs
Where do we find fibrocartilage?
between intervertebral discs and at the pubic symphasis
What causes appositional growth of cartilage?
differentiation of perichondrial fibroblasts
Where can elastic cartilage usually be found?
ear, nose, larynx
Which is the toughest type of cartilage?
fibrocartilage
What is appositional growth of bone or cartilage?
growth in diameter
What is interstitial growth of bone or cartilage?
growth in length
Where is elastic cartilage primarily found?
outside of ears, nose, larynx, epiglottis
