Cartilage is elastic tissue that performs a variety of essential functions in the body. Chondrocytes have varying roles according to the type of cartilage they are found in. The base substance of cartilage is chondroitin sulfate, and the microarchitecture is substantially less organized than in bone. In the embryo, it provides support and is a precursor to bone. These parts of the anatomy are required to always spring back into the original shape. The ECM of cartilage contains three characteristic elements: A protein-based collagen matrix gives form and strength to cartilage tissue through a mesh-like structure of fibrils. Although their components are very similar, the quantities of each component differ, providing different qualities to each type. See Knee Anatomy. Fibrous cartilage has lots of collagen fibers (Type I and Type II), and it tends … 1. Unless otherwise noted, LibreTexts content is licensed by CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Its outer layer contains collagen-producing fibroblasts, while the inner layer houses large numbers of differentiated fibroblasts called chondroblasts. It is reinforced with collagen fiber bundles that run parallel to each other, allowing a low level of stretch. The cartilage present in the wall of the trachea and bronchi are of a hyaline type. Accordingly, each type has a particular location. In addition, hyaline cartilage forms the embryonic skeleton. Cartilage also plays a role in bone repair where, as in the embryo, it provides a template for ossification, this time to broken sections of bone. Hyaline cartilage is the most widespread type and resembles glass. This is a low-friction, wear-resistant tissue present within joints that is … This type of cartilage is predominately collagen (yet with few collagen fibers), and its name refers to its glassy appearance. Proteoglycan monomers bond to hyaluronic acid by way of link proteins, as is the case with the large proteoglycan Aggrecan (chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 1), seen below. chondroitin sulfate: An important structural component of cartilage that provides much of its resistance to compression. The matrix is gelatinous and the cartilage would not remain in place, A thick layer would counteract the elasticity of the fibers, It would be unable to absorb enough nutrients, Noncollagenous proteins, collagen and proteoglycans, Proteoglycans monomers, hyaluronic acid and link proteins, A type of collagen only found in hyaline cartilage, A type of collagen only found in elastic cartilage, A type of collagen which attaches to another collagen fiber. Cartilage. Elastic cartilage is found in the epiglottis (part of the larynx) and the pinnae (the external ear flaps of many mammals, including humans). Biologydictionary.net Editors. Retrieved from https://biologydictionary.net/cartilage/. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Fibrous cartilage has many collagen fibers and is found in the intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis. hyaline cartilage: A type of cartilage found on many joint surfaces; it contains no nerves or blood vessels, and its structure is relatively simple. Knee cartilage can be injured as the result of a traumatic injury, degenerative arthritis, or chronic overuse. This cell type first forms a matrix of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, collagen fibers, and water during embryonal development. - Ladi Anudeep ISM-IUK 2. They consist of translucent protoplasm in which fine interlacing filaments and minute granules are sometimes present. Cartilage is made up of highly specialized cells called chondrocytes and chondroblasts (chondro refers to cartilage), and other extracellular material which forms the cartilage matrix. A joint would also not be able to bend without the flexibility of cartilage. Types of Cartilage. While chondroblasts are ECM manufacturers, chondrocytes maintain the existing ECM and are a less active form of the same cell. All connective tissue types within the human body are derived from the embryonal mesoderm. Types: There are five types of bones: a) Long bones. The human body has three kinds of cartilage called hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most widespread cartilage type and, in adults, it forms the articular surfaces of long bones, the rib tips, the rings of the trachea, and parts of the skull. Which cartilage type is yellow in color? Cartilage ensures supple knee movement. Rheumatoid arthritis is … Cartilage is found throughout the human body in areas such as the joints, nose, airway, intervertebral discs of the spine, and the ear. Cartilage is a tough and flexible form of connective tissue and can be also considered as modified connective tissue Cartilage is characterised by ECM and high concentrations of GAG’s, proteoglycans Cartilage differs from typical connective tissue mainly in nature of ground substance The perichondrium is a dense layer of connective tissue which surrounds most cartilage sites. CARTILAGE 1. Below is an explanation of each. It is one of the three types of cartilage; the other two types are elastic cartilage and fibrocartilage. Legal. Hyaline cartilage is covered externally by a fibrous membrane, called the perichondrium, except at the articular ends of bones; it also occurs under the skin (for instance, ears and nose). Cartilage is a type of connective tissue, which is flexible in nature and does not have any blood or nerve supply. Hyalos is the Greek word for glass, which describes the appearance of this type of connective tissue – translucent, blueish-white, and shiny. In cartilage, these cells produce type I collagen. It consists of the following three elements: cells, fibers, and a ground substance (or extracellular matrix). It covers the ends of bones at the joint. Is a precursor of bone. The human body contains three types of cartilage: elastic, fibrous, and hyaline. Fibrous cartilage has lots of collagen fibers (Type I and Type II), and it tends to grade into dense tendon and ligament tissue. For more information contact us at info@libretexts.org or check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Found where tendons and ligaments meet bone, at the pubic symphysis, in the menisci, the sternoclavicular joint, and the annulus fibrosus (the center of the intervertebral disc), fibrocartilage is a very strong and pliable connective tissue. There are three types of cartilage: hyaline, fibrous, and elastic cartilage. Fibrous cartilage has many collagen fibers and is found in the intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis. Elastic cartilage’s role is purely structural, offering flexibility and resilience due to a mixture of elastic fibers and type II collagen fibers. Because of this, there is little metabolic activity, and little to no new growth in cartilage tissue – one of the reasons the elderly commonly suffer from degenerative joint pain. It is the most common type of cartilage, found in the nose, windpipe, and most of the body's joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Missed the LibreFest? b) Flat bones. Increased cartilage to bone ratio enables a flexible and pliable new-born to exit the birth canal. It is a firm tissue but is softer and much more flexible than bone. temporal mandibular joint: A joint of the jaw that connects it to the temporal bones of the skull. 2. Embryonic cartilage either remains as cartilage or provides a substructure for endochondral ossification, meaning it also functions as a template for the rapid growth and development of the musculoskeletal system. In interstitial growth, chondrocytes proliferate and divide, producing more matrix inside existing cartilage throughout childhood and adolescence. This causes it to heal very slowly. Cartilage has widely spaced cells and interspersed in the matrix made of proteins and sugars. It owes its flexibility and toughness to the fibrous tissue, and its elasticity to the cartilaginous tissue. The division of cells within cartilage occurs very slowly, and thus growth in cartilage is usually not based on an increase in size or mass of the cartilage itself. White fibrocartilage consists of a mixture of white fibrous tissue and cartilaginous tissue in various proportions. Cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is usually only 2 – 4 mm thick (all cartilage must be thin, as there is no vascularization in this tissue type, and nutrients and oxygen must be obtained through diffusion). It has a capacity for rapid interstitial and appositional growth in young and growing tissues. It is yellow in color, and without the organized structure of fibrocartilage when viewed on a microscope slide. This can be seen in the larger ears and noses of older individuals. Chondrocytes are first chondroblast cells that produce the collagen extracellular matrix (ECM) and then get caught in the matrix. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that differs from bone in several ways; it is avascular and its microarchitecture is less organized than bone. It contains no nerves or blood vessels, and its structure is relatively simple. 3. From the seventh week of embryonic life, the process of ossification or osteogenesis slowly replaces cartilage with bone. 5. They are surrounded by the matrix and contained within allotted spaces called lacunae. Cartilage is not hard just like bone. Nature: Bones are rigid, non-flexible, and robust. It often involves the knees, although joints such as the hips, ankles and elbows can also be affected. 6.2A: Structure, Type, and Location of Cartilage, [ "article:topic", "license:ccbysa", "showtoc:no" ], https://med.libretexts.org/@app/auth/3/login?returnto=https%3A%2F%2Fmed.libretexts.org%2FBookshelves%2FAnatomy_and_Physiology%2FBook%253A_Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)%2F6%253A_Skeletal_System%2F6.2%253A_Cartilage%2F6.2A%253A_Structure_Type_and_Location_of_Cartilage. In articular cartilage, found in the joints, chondrocytes increase joint articulation. Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. However, there are specific features that can be identified that facilitate discernment of the varying types of cartilage. Cartilage is a strong, flexible, fibrous tissue that forms rubber-like padding at the ends of long bones that help in the movement of bones.   When cartilage is damaged, often it is described as a tear of the cartilage. It forms the framework of the body. Bone is made of cells that are embedded in a hard, rigid, compact matrix. ; Elastic - is … In other regions it acts as a shock absorber, cushioning areas where bone meets bone and preventing abrasion and damage. It is the only type of cartilage that contains type I collagen in addition to the normal type II. Elastic cartilage is histologically similar to hyaline cartilage but contains many yellow elastic fibers lying in a solid matrix. Embedded in this are one or two round nuclei with the usual intranuclear network. Cartilage is not innervated and therefore relies on diffusion to obtain nutrients. Cartilage is not innervated and therefore relies on diffusion to obtain nutrients. Cartilage covers and protects the ends of long bones, and is the primary structural component of the ears, nose, rib cage, and many other body parts. This creates high osmotic pressure, increases load-bearing, and constitutes the gel-like consistency of the ECM. Cartilages are flexible, soft, and elastic. It covers the surface of joints, acting as a shock absorber and allowing bones to slide over one another. This article focuses on one of the three subtypes of cartilage – fibrocartilage. Know the function and types of cartilage, its location and what happens if cartilage wears away or gets damaged. Fibrous cartilage has tensile strength and can resist pressure. This process continues into early childhood. The term 'cartilage' refers to a strong, elastic connective tissue. Inner layer houses large numbers of differentiated fibroblasts called chondroblasts a less form. Fibroblasts called chondroblasts support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and densely... 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