Cartilage

Question 1

Cartilage

Answer 1

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue, that is very flexible.

Question 2

Cells in cartilage

Answer 2

1. Chondroblasts: Make and deposit the extracellular matrix.
2. Chondrocytes: Mature cells that have been trapped in lacunae in their own matrix

Extracellular matrix: contains collagen (fibres) and a protein (chondrin)

*Fibres in the ECM determine the cartilage

Question 3

Blood supply

Answer 3

• Cartilage doesn’t contain blood vessel.
• Perichondrium the outside layer of the cartilage contains blood vessels.
• Cells of cartilage rely on diffusion of nutrients and wastes across a long distance.
• For this diffusion to happen, they need slow metabolism and slow rate of cell division.

Question 4

Articular cartilage

Answer 4

Forming join surfaces on the ends of bones, does not have a perichondrium.

They might not fully heal

Question 5

Hyaline cartilage

Answer 5

• Contains collagen fibres.
• Extremely closely packed
• provides strength and smooth surfaces to the tissue.
• found on articular surfaces, as well as rings of the trachea and bronchi, epiphyseal plates and developing bones are also made from hyaline cartilage.

Question 6

Elastic cartilage

Answer 6

• Contains collagen tissue and elastic fibres
• Not tightly packed together.
• Provides a great
  springiness to the tissue and the capacity to return quickly to its original shape if deformed.
• Found in the outermost part of the ear.

Question 7

Fibrocartilage

Answer 7

• Contains collagen fibres, Not tightly packed together.
• Has compressibility. Allows it to act as a ‘shock absorber’
• Form of cartilage is found in areas that are frequently weight bearing. The invertebral discs and menisci of the knee contain fibrocartilage.