Cartilage

Cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. Cartilage is composed of cells called chondrocytes which are dispersed in a firm gel-like ground substance, called the matrix. Cartilage contains no blood vessels and nutrients are diffused through the matrix. Cartilage is found in the joints, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, in the throat and between intervertebral disks. There are three main types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage.

Composition

Much like other connective tissue, cartilage is composed of cells, fibers and a matrix.

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Cells

Chondrocytes and the percusor forms of chondrocytes known as chondroblasts are the only cells found in cartilage. They are responsible for the secretion and maintenance of the matrix. The matrix immediately surrounding the chondrocytes is referred to as the territorial matrix and stains darker than the interstitial matrix. Chondrocytes lie in a cavity called a lacuna. During slide preparations, chondrocytes often shrink and appear smaller than the lacunae but in live tissue, they occupy the entire area.

Related Topics:
Chondrocyte - Lacuna

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Fibers

Cartilage is composed of collagen and elastic fibers. In hyaline cartilage, Type II collagen make up 40% of its dry weight and are arranged in cross-striated fibers, 15-45nm in diameter that do not assemble into large bundles. Elastic cartilage also contains elastic fibers and fibrocartilage contains more collagen than hyaline cartilage.

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Matrix

The matrix is mainly composed of proteoglycans, a special type of glycosaminoglycans. The most common type is chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate.

Related Topics:
Proteoglycan - Glycosaminoglycan - Chondroitin sulfate - Keratan sulfate

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