What are the two basic components of cartilage?
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What are the two basic components of cartilage?
What are the three types of cartilage based on composition and mechanical properties?
What is the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and type II collagen fibers in cartilage?
They permit easy diffusion of nutrients through the cartilage, which is avascular and receives nutrition by diffusion from adjacent tissues.
What is the significance of the perichondrium in cartilage?
The perichondrium is a fibrocellular covering that externally supports cartilages, except for fibrocartilages. It has outer fibrous and inner cellular layers.
Where is hyaline cartilage found in the human body?
Hyaline cartilage is found in the fetal skeleton, articular cartilages, nose cartilage, costal cartilages, laryngeal cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoids), trachea, bronchi, and developing bone (epiphyses).
What is the histological appearance of hyaline cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage has a glass-like (transparent) matrix, which is why it is called hyaline cartilage (from Greek hyalos meaning glass).
How do chondrocytes receive their nutrition?
Chondrocytes receive their nutrition through diffusion from adjacent tissues, as cartilage is avascular.
What happens to hyaline cartilage as a person ages?
Hyaline cartilage can undergo ossification, meaning it can be converted into bone in later age.
What is the composition of the matrix in hyaline cartilage?
The matrix of hyaline cartilage consists of:
What gives hyaline cartilage its glassy appearance?
The glassy appearance of hyaline cartilage is due to the homogeneous refractive indices of collagen fibers and the ground substance, which makes collagen fibers invisible in histological sections.
What are the main types of proteoglycans found in the ground substance of hyaline cartilage?
The ground substance of hyaline cartilage contains three main types of proteoglycans:
How do proteoglycans contribute to the properties of hyaline cartilage?
Proteoglycans provide firmness to hyaline cartilage and contribute to its structural integrity. Acidic proteoglycans also take on a hematoxylin (violet) color, giving the matrix a violet appearance.
What is the role of collagen fibers in hyaline cartilage?
Collagen fibers, primarily type II collagen, provide strength and stability to hyaline cartilage by forming a meshwork within the ground substance.
What is the structure of a proteoglycan monomer in hyaline cartilage?
A proteoglycan monomer, such as aggrecan, consists of a core protein with peripherally attached chondroitin and keratan sulfate molecules arranged in a bottle-brush configuration.
What are the main components of hyaline cartilage as described in the histology flowchart?
The main components of hyaline cartilage include:
Cells/Chondrocytes:
Matrix:
Perichondrium:
What is the significance of the aggrecan molecule in the matrix of hyaline cartilage?
The aggrecan molecule is negatively charged, allowing it to hold water molecules, which contributes to the hydrated matrix. This hydration facilitates the diffusion of metabolites and provides resilience to cartilage.
How does the staining of the matrix in hyaline cartilage vary based on the concentration of sulfated proteoglycans?
The matrix shows varied staining properties with hematoxylin based on the concentration of sulfated proteoglycans:
What are the three zones of the matrix in hyaline cartilage based on staining properties?
The three zones of the matrix in hyaline cartilage based on staining properties are:
What are the two types of matrix surrounding chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage?
The two types of matrix are:
What is the role of perichondrium in hyaline cartilage?
The perichondrium serves as a protective layer and has two layers:
What are the two types of growth observed in cartilage?
The two types of growth in cartilage are:
What are the clinical implications of osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease characterized by:
What is the significance of chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage?
Chondrocytes are the cells of hyaline cartilage that:
What are the main components of elastic cartilage?
Elastic cartilage consists of ground substance, elastic fibers, and chondrocytes. The ground substance contains proteoglycans and glycoproteins. Chondrocytes are the cells that produce collagen and ground substance.
What is the function of the perichondrium in elastic cartilage?
The perichondrium surrounds elastic cartilage and has two layers:
Where is elastic cartilage found in the body?
Elastic cartilage is located in several areas including:
What distinguishes elastic cartilage from hyaline cartilage in terms of cellular structure?
In elastic cartilage, chondrocytes are larger than those in hyaline cartilage and can be found singly or in groups of two. Additionally, the cells in elastic cartilage occupy lacunae that appear empty due to shrinkage during slide preparation, whereas in living tissue, they fill the lacunae completely.
What is the significance of elastic fibers in elastic cartilage?
The elastic fibers in elastic cartilage form a dense meshwork that provides resilience, pliability, and elasticity to the cartilage, allowing it to return to its original shape after deformation. These fibers also impart a yellow color to the cartilage.
What are the main functions of elastic cartilage?
Elastic cartilage provides elasticity, resilience, and firmness to the structure.
What is the composition of the matrix in elastic cartilage?
The matrix of elastic cartilage consists of a meshwork of branching anastomosing elastic fibers and a ground substance that includes proteoglycans.
Describe the structure of the perichondrium in elastic cartilage.
The perichondrium surrounding elastic cartilage has two layers: an outer fibrous layer and an inner cellular layer.
Where is elastic cartilage typically found in the body?
Elastic cartilage is found in locations such as the pinna of the external ear, external acoustic meatus, auditory tube, epiglottis, and the corniculate and cuneiform cartilages of the larynx.
What characterizes the histology of fibrocartilage?
Fibrocartilage is characterized by rows of chondrocytes embedded in a matrix of thick collagen fibers.
What types of collagen fibers are present in fibrocartilage?
Fibrocartilage consists of type I and type II collagen fibers in varying proportions, forming dense regular connective tissue.
List some locations where fibrocartilage can be found.
Fibrocartilage is found in locations such as intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, articular discs of joints, menisci, and at tendon attachment sites with bones.
What are the main components of fibrocartilage as illustrated in its histology?
Fibrocartilage consists of:
Additionally, fibrocartilage is characterized by the absence of perichondrium.
What are the primary functions of fibrocartilage?
The primary functions of fibrocartilage include:
Where is fibrocartilage typically located in the body?
Fibrocartilage is typically found in the following locations:
How can fibrocartilage be histologically differentiated from tendon?
Fibrocartilage can be histologically differentiated from tendon by the presence of chondrocytes that lie singly or in isogenous groups between bundles of collagen fibers, and the absence of a perichondrium in fibrocartilage.
What is the significance of proteoglycans in fibrocartilage?
Proteoglycans secreted by chondrocytes, such as aggrecan, are significant for maintaining the structure and function of the matrix in fibrocartilage, contributing to its ability to withstand compressive forces.
What happens to hyaline cartilage with aging, and what is the clinical implication?
With aging, calcium salts get deposited in the matrix of hyaline cartilage, which reduces diffusion through the cartilage and can lead to the death of chondrocytes. This process can result in the replacement of cartilage by bone (ossification), impacting joint function.
What are the main differences between hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage?
Features | Hyaline Cartilage | Elastic Cartilage | Fibrocartilage |
---|---|---|---|
Cells | Chondroblasts and chondrocytes | Chondroblasts and chondrocytes | Few fibroblasts, few chondrocytes |
Cell occurrence | Lies in groups (cell nests) | Lie single or in a group of two | Lie single or in a row |
Fibers | Type II collagen fibers | Elastic fibers and few type II collagen fibers | Type I and type II collagen fibers |
Perichondrium | Present | Present | Absent |
Production of ground substance | By chondrocytes | By chondrocytes | By chondrocytes and by fibroblasts |
What is achondroplasia and what causes it?
Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by short legs and arms with a normal torso.
What is chondrosarcoma and where does it typically develop?
Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of chondroblasts that typically develops in the bones of the axial skeleton.