Do you want to know cartilage histology?
If yes, then you are in the right place to know about cartilage. In this article, I will discuss different cartilage types and histology. I will also cover hyaline cartilage histology, hyaline cartilage function, cartilage histology PPT, elastic cartilage histology, fibrocartilage histology, and costal cartilage histology.
If you are interested in cartilage histology, stay tuned and read this article carefully. I hope you will learn the basics of different cartilage types and histology.
As you know, cartilage is specialized connective tissue that consists of cells (such as chondroblasts and chondrocytes) and an extracellular matrix (such as fibers and ground substances).
Cartilage histology
In cartilage histology, we will know the –
- #1. General characteristics of cartilage
- #2. Types of cartilage cells
- #3. Different types of cartilage (hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage)
- #4. Cartilage function
The general characteristics of cartilage are –
- They are specialized connective tissue
- They are firm and have good tensile strength
- Covered by perichondrium (a sheet of dense connective tissue)
- They are avascular and get nutrients through diffusion
- They have two types of cells (called chondroblasts and chondrocytes)
- They have no lymphatic vessels
Component of cartilage
Cartilage consists of cells and a matrix. Cells include chondroblasts and chondrocytes. Condroblasts are small, rounded, and immature, whereas chondrocytes are larger, mature cells.
The extracellular matrix contains fibers (mainly collagen and elastic) and ground substances. Ground substances include proteoglycans, glycoproteins, water, chondroitin sulfate, keratin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid.
Cartilage function
There are lots of functions of cartilage. But I am interested in presenting only some of the functions here. Rather, I prefer to enlist the main cartilage function –
- #1. Involved in supporting the soft tissue of the body
- #2. Allows the tissue to bear mechanical stress
- #3. Facilitates the movement of the bone
- #4. Essential for the development and growth of long bones
Types of cartilage
There are three types of cartilage according to the fibers and extracellular matrix, and they are –
- #1. Hyaline cartilage
- #2. Elastic cartilage and
- #3. Fibroblastic cartilage
Now, I will discuss the basic histology of these three types of cartilage. First, I would like to introduce the histology of hyaline cartilage. Okay, let’s start by learning about cartilage histology.
Hyaline cartilage histology
This is the most common type of cartilage in the animal’s body. I will discuss the common features, functions, and examples of each type of cartilage.
- Hyaline cartilage is glasslike appearance or translucent
- In fresh condition, it looks bluish-white
- Having two distinct layers – cellular and fibrous layer
- Composed of chondroblasts and irregularly arranged collagen fibers
Where found
Hyaline cartilage found in –
- Costal cartilage
- Articular cartilage
- Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, arytenoid cartilage
- Nasal septum
- Epiphyseal plate
Hyaline cartilage function
There are many functions of hyaline cartilage, depending on its location. If you find hyaline cartilage in the articular surface of any bone, then the main functions of hyaline cartilage are –
- Providing support
- Acts as shock absorbers
Cartilage histology ppt
I made a cartilage histology ppt for you. If you need it, then let me know or email me. I hope this cartilage histology ppt will help you to understand the basic histology of different types of cartilage.
Elastic cartilage histology
Now the second one is elastic cartilage. They contain the branching elastic fibers in the matrix. The common features of elastic cartilage histology are –
- #1. They are highly flexible
- #2. They contain a high amount of elastic fiber in their matrix (I hope you know about the different types of fibers)
- #3. In fresh condition, it looks yellowish
- #4. The surface is covered by perichondrium
- #5. It occurs along with the hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage found in –
- Wall of the external auditory canal
- Epiglottis
- Auricle of the external ear
- Cuneiform and corniculate cartilage of larynx
Do you want to know about the function of elastic cartilage? Okay, let me explain their function in short.
- They provide strength and maintain the shape of the structure
- Helps to change the shape of the structure
Fibrocartilage histology
Fibrocartilage is also called the white fibrocartilage. They are intermediate between dense connective tissue and hyaline cartilage. The common features of fibrocartilage histology are –
- Less frequently occurs
- Always related to dense connective tissue
- Cells are chondrocytes, and the presence of prominent collage fibers
They are found in –
- Tendon and ligament
- Intervertebral discs
- Pubic symphysis
- Articular disc of temporo-mandibular, sterno-clavicular joints
- Menisci of the knee joint and others
- Costal cartilage histology
Do you want to know about the histology of coastal cartilage? Okay, fine. They are bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the ventral ends of ribs to the sternum. They have a characteristic of hyaline cartilage.
Bonus for you
You should also know the following topics from cartilage –
Development of cartilage (interstitial development and appositional development)
Regeneration of cartilage tissue
The basic difference of hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage
Details of perichondrium
Details about intervertebral disc histology
The development of cartilage is the most important of these topics. In interstitial growth, the chondroblast undergoes several mitotic divisions, and new intercellular ground substances separate two daughter cells. Then, it leads to substantial expansion of cartilage from within.
Appositional growth: The mesenchyme surrounding the cartilage primordium differentiates into the pericondrium. Then, the chondroblast forms a cellular layer of perichondrium that divides and secretes an additional matrix on the surface of the cartilage.
Okay, let’s start by learning about these topics from class or a book. If you want detailed articles about them, then let me know.
Conclusion
I hope you have a basic idea about cartilage histology along with hyaline cartilage histology, hyaline cartilage function, cartilage function, cartilage histology PPT, elastic cartilage histology, fibrocartilage histology, costal cartilage histology, and others.
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