specialized connective tissue Flashcards
(89 cards)
composition of cartilage
chondrocytes (cartilage cells)
extracellular matrix (ECM)
3 types of cartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage
Fibrocartilage
What does hyaline cartilage look like in the living state?
Hyaline cartilage appears glassy and smooth.
What are lacunae in hyaline cartilage?
Lacunae are small spaces in the cartilage where chondrocytes are located.
- Chondrocytes are specialized cells that produce and maintain cartilage.
functions of hyaline cartilage
provides low-friction surface
participates in lubricating synovial joints
distributes applied forces to the underlying bone.
What is hyaline cartilage mainly composed of?
aggrecan
proteoglycan that forms aggregates with hyaluronan
chondroitin sulfate
keratan sulfate.
Why does hyaline cartilage have high levels of hydration?
The aggregates of proteoglycans in hyaline cartilage attract water molecules, resulting in high hydration.
why is hyaline cartilage slow to repair?
Hyaline cartilage is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels. It relies on diffusion for nutrients and waste removal, making repair slower compared to vascularized tissues.
what are the 3 major classes of molecules in hyaline cartilage
(index card)
collagen molecules
proteoglycans
multiadhesive glycoproteins
What are chondrocytes and what do they do
specialized cells in cartilage that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM).
What are isogenous groups in hyaline cartilage?
Isogenous groups are clusters of chondrocytes that have recently divided.
What are metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their role in cartilage?
MMPs are enzymes secreted by chondrocytes that break down the cartilage matrix.
Excessive secretion can cause cartilage degradation, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the three regions of the hyaline cartilage matrix?
- based on the staining property of matrix
Capsular matrix: Surrounds chondrocytes, stains intensely, contains Type VI and Type IX collagen.
Territorial matrix: Surrounds isogenous groups, contains Type II and Type IX collagen.
Interterritorial matrix: Fills space between chondrocytes, surrounds the territorial matrix.
What role does hyaline cartilage play in fetal development?
provides a model for the developing skeleton of the fetus.
What surrounds hyaline cartilage?
perichondrium
Why is articular cartilage different from other hyaline cartilage?
Articular cartilage, which covers joint surfaces, does not have a perichondrium.
What are the layers of articular cartilage?
Superficial zone: Flat chondrocytes.
Intermediate zone: Round chondrocytes.
Deep zone: Chondrocytes arranged in columns.
Calcified zone: Cartilage that has undergone calcification.
What makes elastic cartilage different from other types of cartilage?
Elastic cartilage contains elastin, which provides flexibility and allows it to bend easily.
What is present in the elastic cartilage matrix?
dense network of branching and anastomosing elastic fibers
along with interconnecting sheets of elastic material.
Where is elastic cartilage found in the body?
Elastic cartilage is found in:
External ear
Walls of the external acoustic meatus
Eustachian tube
Epiglottis
What is fibrocartilage a combination of?
dense regular connective tissue and hyaline cartilage.
How do chondrocytes in fibrocartilage compare to those in hyaline cartilage?
The chondrocytes in fibrocartilage are similar to those in hyaline cartilage but with less cartilage matrix material.
Where can fibrocartilage be found in the body?
Intervertebral discs
Pubic symphysis
Articular discs of sternoclavicular and temporomandibular joints
Menisci of the knee joint
Triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist
Certain places where tendons attach to bones
What types of collagen are found in the ECM of fibrocartilage?
Type I
Type II collagen
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