Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue composed of chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix. It is avascular and provides structure, support, and acts as a shock absorber. There are three main types of cartilage - hyaline cartilage found in joints, elastic cartilage in the ear, and fibrocartilage in intervertebral discs. Hyaline cartilage contains collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans that allow it to withstand compression. Elastic cartilage contains elastic fibers that give it flexibility. Fibrocartilage contains collagen types I and II and connects bones together.

1. CARTILAGE
Prepared By:
Bikram Adhikari
Roll no.: 03

2. Introduction
 Cartilage is a specialized form of connective
tissue
 Mesodermal in origin
 Composition of cartilage :
 Cellular component:
 Chondrocytes
 Chondroblast and

3.  Composition of cartilage(contd..)
 Extracellular matrix
 Fibers:
 collagen fibres,
 elastic fibres
 Ground substance:
 Glycosaminoglyans (GAG)
 Chondriotin sulphate,
 Keratan sulphate,
 Hyaluronic acid

4.  Avascular
 No lymphatics vessels and nerve
 Perichondrium
 layer of dense connective tissue
 2 layers:
 Chondrogenic layer (inner)
 Fibrous layer (outer)

6. Functions of Cartilage:
 To bear mechanical stresses without permanent
distortion.
 Cartilage is a shock-absorbtion
 Provide Sliding area for joints - facilitates bone
movements.
 Development and growth of long bones both before
and after birth.

7. Types Of Cartilage
 3 types:
1. Hyaline cartilage
2. Yellow Elastic cartilage
3. White Fibro cartilage

8. 1.Hyaline Cartilage
 Fresh hyaline cartilage is
bluish-white and
translucent
 Chondrocytes
 have an elliptic or round
 Cell are arranged in
group: (isogenous group
or cell nest)

9. Matrix consist:
 Type II Collagen fiber (basophilic)
 Chondroitin 4-sulfate
 Keratan sulfate
 Hyaluronidase
 Chondronectin
Hyaline Cartilage (contd..)
 Territorial matrix (lacunar capsule)
 Inter-territorial matrix

11. Examples of Hyaline Cartilage:
 Articular cartilage
 Epiphyseal plate
 Larynx: Cricoid and
artenoid cartilages
Costal
cartilageTrachea, bronchi and bronchioles
Fetal cartilage

12.  Fresh elastic cartilage has a yellowish color
2.Yellow elastic Cartilage

13. Yellow elastic Cartilage(contd..)
 Chondrocytes:
 Large, scattered
 Matrix
 Elastic fibres+ collagen type II
 Pericondrium present

14. Examples of Yellow elastic cartilage
 Auricle of the ear,
 External auditory canals,
 Epiglottis, and
 Cuneiform cartilage
 Apical part of arytenoid
cartilage

15. 3. White fibro Cartilage
 No identifiable Perichondrium
 Chondrocytes: arranged in linear group separated by
collagen fibers
 Matrix: Collagen I type + collagen II type collagen

16. Pubis symphysisIntervertebral
disc
Manubriosternal joint
Intervetebral disc
Examples: White fibro Cartilage:

17. References Singh Indirbir. 2011. Pages 93-97 in Text book of Human
Histology. 6th
edition. Jaypee Brothers medical publishers.
New delhi
 Eroschenko Victor P. Pages 65-72 in Difiore’s Atlas of
Histology.10th
edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 351 West
Camden Street
Baltimore.
 Junqueira luis Caralos, Carneiro Jose. Chapter 7 in Basic
histology text and atlas,11th
edition, McGraw-Hill’s.
 Graaff Kent Van De. Pages 141, 158,164,181,608, in Human
Anatomy. 6th
edition. McGraws-Hill’s.
 Standring Susan. Page 83-87, 742. Gray’s Anatomy.39th
edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone

18. ANY QUESTIONS ????