Dense Connective Tissue Cartilage

Cartilage Defined: Specialized form of connective tissue. It’s matrix is composed of collagen and elastic fibers embedded in a gelatinous ground substance. Function: Collagen gives strength, while the ground substance gives resiliency. Characteristics: Firm and flexible tissue Matrix contains up to 80% water Avascular No nervous tissue The cells/structures present in cartilage: chrondrocytes, lacunae, & perichrondrocytes

The Cells & Structures of Cartilage Defined: Chrondrocytes (chrondro = cartilage): Cells that secrete cartilage’s fibers and ground substance. Lacunae (little lakes): Space in cartilage where chrondrocytes lie. Perichondrium (peri = around): Surface of cartilage that is surrounded by dense irregular connective tissue. It is vascular and contains nervous tissue.

Hyaline Cartilage (hyalos = glass) Appearance: Contains fine collagen fibers Fibers not easily visible Function: Provides flexibility, support, reduces friction, and absorbs shock. Most abundant cartilage in the body Found in nose, connects ribs to sternum, long ends of bones, embryonic skeleton The weakest of the 3 types of cartilage

Table 4.2g figure 2

Elastic Cartilage Appearance: Chondrocytes in thread-like network Function: Provides support and elasticity Found in external ear cartilage Similar to hyaline cartilage except its matrix contains a large amount of elastic fibers. Different from hyaline in that it is more flexible/elastic.

Table 4.2i figure 2

Fibrocartilage Appearance: Thick collagen fibers visible Function: Provides strength, joint cushioning, rigidity Found in vertebral discs, knee, pubic symphysis Lacks a perichondrium Strongest type of cartilage

Table 4.2h figure 2