1. Dense Connective Tissue Cartilage

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Table 4.2g figure 2

6. 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.

7. Table 4.2i figure 2

8. 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

9. Table 4.2h figure 2