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.

Diseases / Medicine

There are several diseases which can affect the cartilage. Chondrodystrophies are a group of diseases characterized by disturbance of growth and subsequent ossification of cartilage. Some common diseases affecting/involving the cartilage are listed below.

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• Arthritis: The cartilage covering bones in joints (articular cartilage) is degraded, resulting in limitation of movement and pain.
• Achondroplasia: Reduced proliferation of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate of long bones results in a form of dwarfism.
• Costochondritis: Inflammation of cartilage in the ribs which causes chest pain
• Herniated disk: Asymmetrical compression of a disk ruptures the cartilage ring, causing tissue to herniate into the spinal canal.

The matrix of cartilage acts as a barrier, preventing the entry of lymphocytes or diffusion of immunoglobulins. This property allows for the transplantation of cartilage from one individual to another without fear of tissue rejection.

Related Topics:
Lymphocytes - Immunoglobulins - Transplantation

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Bioengineering techniques are being developed to generate new cartilage, using a cellular "scaffolding" material and cultured cells to grow artificial cartilage.

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Fibrocartilage

Fibrocartilage, as its name implies, is a type of cartilage arranged in a fibrous matrix that is similar to fibrous connective tissies. It is found in areas that require tensile strength, such as invertebral disks. Chondrocytes are separated by dense bundles of collagenous fibers. Chondrocytes are usually arranged in short rows of 3 or 4. When hyaline cartilage, the shiny white gristle at the end of long bones, is damaged, it is often replaced with fibrocartilage, though it remains a poorer substitue.

Related Topics:
Cartilage - Invertebral disks - Chondrocytes - Collagenous fibers - Hyaline cartilage

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