Cartilaginous Tissue Flashcards
what is the basic definition of cartilage?
cartilage is an avascular specialised fibrous connective tissue. Cartilage has a from extracellular matrix containing chondrocytes
what is the basic functions of cartilage?
cartilage finctions to support soft tissues and assist in the development of long bones
what are the three types of cartilage?
- hyaline cartilage
- elastic cartilage
- fibrocartilage
what type of cartilage is the most abundant in the body?
hyaline cartilage
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, describe the extacellular matrix…
the matrix of hyaline cartilage is composed of an amorphous ground substance containing proteoglycan aggregates and chondronectin. plus type II collagen
the matrix adjacent to chondrocytes is called the territorial matrix - lacks collagen but is rich in proteoglycans.
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, what is the territorial matrix?
the territorial matrix is the matrix surrounding the chondrocytes found in hyaline cartilage. this matrix lacks collagen fibres but is rich in proteoglycans
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, describe the perichondrium…
the perichondrium is a layer on dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds hyaline cartilage (except at articular surfaces). has two layers:
- outer fibrous laye containing type I collagen, fibroblasts and blood vessels.
- inner cellular layer containing chondroblasts and chondrogenic cells
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, what area does the perichondrium NOT surround?
articular surfaces
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, describe chondroblasts…
chondroblasts manufacture cartilage matrix
chondroblasts contain extensive golgi complex, abundant RER, lipid droplets and glycogen
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, describe chondrocytes…
chondrocytes are chondroblasts that have been fully embedded in lacunae surrounded by the matrix they have secreted.
superfial chondrocytes are ovoid - parallel to the surface.
deeper chondrocytes are spherical and found in isogenic groups of 4-8 cells in each lacunae.
in the structure of hyaline cartilage, describe the lineage of chondrocytes…
chondrocytes arise from the differentiation of mesenchymal cells and chondrogenic cells of the inner perichondrium into chondroblasts. chondroblasts secrete the matrix. a fully embedded chondroblast in a lacunae is called a chondrocyte.
what are the two processes involved in the formation of hyaline cartilage?
- interstitial growth
2. appositional growth
what does the process of interstitial growth of hyaline cartilage involve?
where does it occur?
interstitial growth occurs through the cell division of preexisting chondrocytes.
interstitial growth of hyaline cartilage only occurs in early cartilage formation in articular cartilage and epiphyseal plates of long bones
what does the process of appositional growth of hyaline cartilage involve?
appositional growth occurs through the differentiation of chondrogenic cells in the perichondrium, forming chondroblasts and/or new chondrocytes.
how does hyaline cartilage degenerate?
degeneration of hyaline cartilage occurs when chondrocytes undergo hypertrophy and die - matrix becomes calcified - age associated
- normal in endochondrial bone formation
