Cartilage- a Type of Connective Tissue

Cells that make up cartilage; synthesize and secrete the extra cellular matrix, located in matrix cavities called lacunae

Hyaline Cartilage Elastic Cartilage Fibrocartilage

Hyaline Cartilage, the most common form of cartilage where type two collagen is the principle collagen type - bluish white and translucent - forms the primary skeleton of the fetus

Elastic Cartilage is more pliable and distensible and posess an abundance of elastic fibers in addition to collagen type 2. - essentially identical to hyaline cartilage with the exception of thin elastic fibers.

Fibrocartilage is characterised by a matrix containing a dense network of coarse type one collagen fibers. - intermediate between dense connective tissue and hyaline cartilage.

Perichondrium- a sheath of dense connective tissue that surrounds cartilage in most places forming an interface between the cartilage and the tissue it supports.

Epiphseal plates or ends of long bones where hyaline cartilage is formed.

Located in the articular surface of the movable joints, walls of the respiratory passages, in the ventral ends of ribs, where they articulate with the sternum and the epiphyseal plate.

40% of dry weight consists of collagen embedded in a firm, hydrated gel of proteoglycans and structural glycoprotiens.₁ contains primarily type 2 collagen with small amounts of of collagen types 9, 10 & 11.₂ Cartilage proteoglycans contain chondroitin 4 -sulphate, chondroitin 6- sulphate, covalently linked to core protiens. Proteoglycan aggregates are also found alongside Chondonectin.

long molecules of hyaluronic acidthat can be found associated with more than 200 proteoglycans.

Structural glycoprotien, that binds specifically to glycosaminoglycans and collagen type 2, mediating the adherence of chondrocytes to the extracellular matrix.

The periferal zone of cartilage matrix surrounding each chondrocyte rich in glycosaminoglicans and collagen type 2 that stains differently from the rest of the matrix

Covers all hyline cartilage except that of the articular cartilage of joints. Essential for growth and maintenance of cartilage. Rich in collagen type 2 fibers and contains numerous fibroblasts.

Responsible for the synthesis of collagens and other matrix molecules. function depends on proper hormonal balance namely, somatotropin C produced in the liver.

Synthesis of sulphated glycosaminoglycans is accelerated by growth hormone, thyroxin and testosterone and is slowed by cortisone, hydrocortisone, and estradiol.