Cartilage Flashcards
where do we find cartilage
embryo- Skeleton is mostly cartilage. adult- nose, ear, trachea, larynx, rib cage
what is cartilage
semi-rigid flexible connective tissue that supports tissues and organs and scaffold for bone development. avascular and aneural
what makes up cartilage
chondroblasts, chondrocytes , ECM- 75%water, molecules, fibres
chondroblasts
immature cells derived from mesenchyme cells, secrete ECM, enlarge and mature into chondrocytes. small, flattened or irregular shape
chondrocytes
mature cells derived from chondroblastas. small nucleus. grouped in lacunae within matrix. also secrete ECM
what type of collagen is in cartilage ECM
type 2
what determines the mechanical forces in extracellular matrix of cartilage
orientation of collagen fibres are related to the forces that act on cartilage. also aggrecan molecules (binds to water which gives high compressive strength)
molecules in ECM of cartilage
aggrecan, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans
three types of cartilage
hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage
hyaline cartilage
found in articular, costal, nasal cavities, larynx, trachea, epiphyseal growth plates, weakest type, glassy appearance
elastic cartilage
found in ear and larynx, flexible and resilient, elastic as well as collagen fibres
fibrocartilage
found in joint capsules, ligament and tendon insertions. contains dense bundles of collagen fibres. strongest type
how do cartilage cells get their nutrients
diffusion from perichondrial vessels, also get from synovial fluid. cartilage has thickness of 2-3mm so that it can get nutrients from outside of it. some cartilage channels which are pores from blood vessels into cartilage matrix
what changes in cartilage with age
water content decreases which reduces shock absorption
