Cartilage

• It is a tough, slightly flexible, semi-rigid

supporting CN.
• It is capable of withstand mechanical stress.
• These features are due to the type of
extracellular matrix in cartilage.
 Functions of cartilage
• Covers surfaces of bones: it has smooth, lubricated
surfaces that facilitates friction free movements at the joints.
• Acts as shock absorbers: the extracellular matrix has
abundant bound water which allows cartilage to act as a
shock absorbers.
• Framework support for softer tissues in the respiratory tract,
ears and nose
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 Components of cartilage
• Composed of :
a. Cells called chondrocytes which are located
in small cavities called lacunae.
b. Extracellular matrix: secreted by
chondrocytes and consists of:
 Connective tissue fibres: are of collagen and elastic
variety.
 Ground substance: composed of glycosaminoglycans
(GAG’s) and proteoglycans
 Nourishment of cartilage
• Cartilage is avascular (no blood or lymphatic
vessels).
• Chondrocytes receive nutrients by diffusion
from capillaries in surrounding connective
tissue (the perichondrium).
 Perichondrium
• It is sheath of dense irregular connective tissue
that covers the cartilage (except fibrocartilage).
• Contains blood vessels that nourish the
chondrocytes.
• Composed of two layers:
 The outer fibrous layer: consists of collagen fibres,
fibroblasts, blood & lymphatic vessels.
 The inner cellular layer: consists of fibroblasts like cells
chondrogenic cells that can transform to form
chondroblasts (cartilage forming cells).
Perichondrium
 Classification of cartilage
• Classified according to types of connective
tissue fibres in the extracellular matrix into:
a. Hyaline cartilage
b. Fibrocartilage
c.Elastic cartilage
 a. Hyaline cartilage
• It is the most common cartilage in the body.
• Composed of:
 Chondrocytes
 Extracellular matrix consisting of :
 Collage type II fibres
 Ground substances: proteoglycans & glycoproteins
Hyaline cartilage
 b. Fibrocartilage
• Found in those areas of the body where great strength
and flexibility are requires e.g. ligament of hip joint.
• Fibrocartilage is not surrounded by perichondrium.
• Nourishment provided by fliuds in joints e.g synovial
fluid.
• Composed of:
 Chondrocytes
 Extracellular matrix consisting of :
 Collage type I fibres
 Ground substances: proteoglycans with attached GAG’s that are rich
in chrondroitin sulfate & dermatan sulfate.
Fibrocartilage
 c. Elastic cartilage
• It is flexible and is capable of returning to
original size after distension.
• Found in two main locations: auricle of the ear
and the epiglottis of the larynx.
• Composed of:
 Chondrocytes
 Extracellular matrix consisting of :
 A combination of elastic fibres & collage type II fibres
 Ground substances: proteoglycans & glycoproteins