Connective Tissue: Supporting Connective Tissue: Cartilage

-cartilage-blood

•firm, gel-like extracellular matrix •contains chondrocytes in lacunae •strong and resilient due to collagen and elastic fibers •Avascular: Chondrocytes produce chemical that prevents blood vessel formation •Include: hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage

•surrounds cartilage •outer Fibrous layer – of dense irregular connective tissue –Secure/anchor perichondrium to cartilage and other structures •inner cellular layer –Chondroblast stem cells for growth and maintenance of cartilage

•description: most common but weakest type of cartilage –clear glassy appearance with chondrocytes in lacunae •location: fetal skeleton, nose, trachea, larynx, costal cartilage •function: supports flexibility and strength

Cartilage: Hyaline Cartilage

•description: contains numerous elastic fibers in extracellular matrix –elastic fibers form weblike mesh around chondrocytes •location: epiglottis, external ear •function: extreme flexibility and resilience •

Connective Tissue: Cartilage: Elastic Cartilage

•description: contains numerous coarse visible collagen fibers arranged in irregular bundles between large chondrocytes which are in parallel rows –Has no perichondrium • location: intervertebral disc, meniscus, pubic symphysis • function: shock absorber to resist compression

Connective tissue:cartilage: fibrocartilage