CARTILAGE

CARTILAGE

Cartilage is usually found next to Bone
1. Its a connective tissue - tough semi-transparent, flexible, elastic
  1. Matrix or ground substance - GLYCO-PROTEIN and CHONDROITIN
    1. Cartilage cells -CHONDROCYTES
      1. Covered in a dense fibrous tissue - PERICHONDRIUM
        No nerves or blood vessels found
Cartilage is a robust connective tissue
1. Re-inforced by COLLAGEN and ELASTIC FIBRES
  1. There are 3 types:
    1. HYALINE
      1. smooth, bluish/white
      2. Chondrocytes within CELL NESTS
      3. Covers bone at joint surface
      4. COSTAL - attaches ribs to Sternum
      5. Forms part of the Trachea, Larynx and Bronchi
    2. FUNCTIONS - reduces friction at joints
      1. MOVEMENT
        SUPPORT - C-SHAPED rings keep trachea and bronchi open
        GROWTH - Longitudinal growth
WHITE FIBRO CARTILAGE
1. SHOCK ABSORBER
  1. PROVIDES STURDINESS WITHOUT IMPENDING MOVEMENT
    1. DEEPENS SOCKETS
ELASTIC CARTILAGE
1. Similar to Hyaline
2. Contain yellow elastic fibres
3. MAINTAINS SHAPE - ie the ear (shape and flexibility
  1. SUPPORT
Due to poor access of nutrients Chondrocytes may atrophy
1. Water content decreases and small cavities arise
  1. Cartilage eventually transforms to bone
REGENERATION AND REPAIR
1. Chondrogenic activity of the perichondrium
  1. is limited to the period of active growth before adulthood
    1. If cartilage is damaged after the period of active growth
      1. the defects are filled by Connective tissue or Fibrous Cartilage

Resource summary

	Created by aahughes over 11 years ago