2. Definition
Cartilage is a specialized type of dense connective
tissue designed to give support, bear weight and
withstand tension, torsion and bending.
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3. General Features
Cartilage support regions of the body that require
flexibility
Non nervous structure
Poor regeneration capacity
Usually surrounded by perichondrium (except
articular cartilage and fibro cartilage)
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4. PERICHONDRIUM
•Cartilage is covered externally by a dense
connective tissue sheath known as perichondrium
except articular cartilage and fibro cartilage.
•Has two layers- outer fibrous layer (vascular) and
inner chondrogenic layer (cellular)
• Has cells which can regrow cartilage to some
extent if the cartilage is damaged.
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5. COMPONENTS
Cells- chondroblasts and chondrocytes
Fibres-collagen and elastic
Ground substance- mucopolysaccharides
(chondroitin sulphate, Keratan sulphate and
hyaluronic acid)
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6. CELLS
They are derived from undifferentiated
mesenchymal cells
Young cells are small with branched
cytoplasmic processes known as
chondroblasts, they multiply to chondrocytes
Older and mature cells are known as
chondrocytes
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7. Chondrocytes are bigger in size and are found in
spaces called as lacunae
They are found either groups of 2-4 cells together
known as cell nest or individual cells
They are responsible for production of fibres and
ground substance of the cartilage
Old mature cells are incapable of multiplication
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9. HYALINE CARTILAGE
Perichondrium present.
Characterized by the presence of highly basophilic
homogeneous matrix
Appear homogeneous as the collagen fibers present in
them have the same refractive index as ground
substance
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11. Cells encapsulated in groups
of 2-4 cells
Matrix around the cells is
brighter and deep in color
than other areas, this matrix
is known territorial matrix.
Two groups of cells are
separated by a lightly colored
matrix known inter-
territorial matrix
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12. EXAMPLES
Costal cartilages
Articular cartilages (devoid of perichondrium)
Trachea
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13. ELASTIC CARTILAGE
Yellow fibrocartilage
Perichondrium present
Characterized by the presence of elastic fibers in
abundance which branch and anastomose
Chondrocytes are larger than those of hyaline cartilage
Chondrocytes are found in singles or in twos in lacuna.
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16. EXAMPLES
Auricle or pinna
External auditory meatus
Epiglottis
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17. White Fibrocartilage
Perichondrium is characteristically absent
Has thick bundles of collagen fibers
Chondrocytes are seen between these fibers in
single or in narrow rows
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19. EXAMPLES
Pubic Symphysis
Manubriosternal joint
Intervertebral discs
Glenoidal labrum of shoulder joint
Acetabular labrum of hip joint, etc.
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20. Thank you for your
attention
Atheer Ahmed Abed 1330129
The university of Georgia
21/12/2014 20
