Lab Ex 5 Chondrocytes

Description - the chondrocytes sit in spaces (lacunae) within the tissue matrix. The matrix contains a firm gel-like ground substance and both collagen fibrils and elastic fibers. Location - Epiglottis and the external ear.

Elastic cartilage (black)

What is the general function of cartilage?

Resists compression; cushions and supports body structure.

What are the 3 subclasses of Cartilage?

1. Hyaline cartilage 2. Fibrocartilage 3. Elastic cartilage

Class of connective tissue formed from chondrocyte:

Cartilage

Description - The gelatinous matrix is densely packed with thick collagen fibers. Chondrocytes are located in lacunae, spaces in the matrix. This feature distinguishes this tissue from dense irregular connective tissue. This is the strongest type of cartilage. Location - Form the intervertebral discs; the pubic symphysis; the articular discs within joint cavities. Also located within some tendons, particularly where a tendon passes around a bony pulley.

Fibrocartillage

What are the matrix components of cartilage?

Gel-like ground substance; collagen fibers, elastin fibers in some

Description - Cartilage cells (chondrocytes) located within spaces (lacunae) in the tissue matrix. The matrix is a firm, gel-like ground substance embedded with collagen fibrils, which are NOT viewable via light microscopy. Vascularized perichondrium surrounds the cartilage nourishing the tissue and producing new tissue. Location - Forms most of the embryonic skeleton; covers the ends of long bones in joint cavities; forms the costal cartilages, the cartilages of the nose, trachea and bronchial tree, and most of the laryngeal cartilages.

Hyaline cartilage