Cartilage And Bone Flashcards
What is cartilage?
A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body.
Cartilage provides support, flexibility, and cushioning.
What are the three types of cartilage?
Hyaline, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage.
Each type has distinct properties and functions.
What is the composition and function of hyaline cartilage?
Composed of a gel-like matrix with collagen fibers; provides support and flexibility, found in the nose, trachea, and ends of long bones.
What is the composition and function of fibrocartilage?
Contains dense bundles of collagen fibers; provides tensile strength and absorbs compressive shock, found in intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.
What is the composition and function of elastic cartilage?
Contains a dense network of elastic fibers; maintains shape while allowing flexibility, found in the ear and epiglottis.
List the functions of bone.
- Support
- Protection
- Movement
- Mineral storage
- Blood cell production
How are bones classified according to their shape?
- Long
- Short
- Flat
- Irregular
What are the growth characteristics of bones?
- Intramembranous ossification
- Endochondral ossification
Describe the structure of a long bone.
Composed of a diaphysis (shaft), epiphyses (ends), and a medullary cavity.
What is the relationship between the structure of a long bone and its growth?
Growth occurs at the epiphyseal plates, allowing for lengthening of the bone.
Differentiate between compact and spongy bone.
- Compact bone: Dense, forms the outer layer
- Spongy bone: Lighter, contains trabeculae and is found inside bones
What is endochondral ossification?
The process where cartilage is replaced by bone, occurring primarily in long bones.
What is intramembranous ossification?
The process where bone develops directly from mesenchymal tissue, occurring in flat bones like the skull.
Name the specialised cell types of bone.
- Osteoblasts
- Osteocytes
- Osteoclasts
Name the specialised cell types of cartilage.
- Chondrocytes
- Chondroblasts
