HISTOLOGY OF CARTILAGE

HISTOLOGY OF CARTILAGE

Cartilage
It is specialized type of connective tissue, the firm consistency of the extra cellular matrix allow the tissue to bear mechanical stresses without permanent distortion.
General properties of cartilage
. 1- All the three types of cartilage are avascular and get their nutrition by means of diffusion from surrounding connective tissue capillaries or by means of synovial fluid from joint cavities.
2. Cartilage have no lymphatic vessels or nerves.
3. All types of cartilages except articular, hyaline and fibro cartilage, are covered over by sheath of dense connective tissue the perichondrium.
Types Of Cartilage
Variation in the composition of matrix components produce three types of cartilages adapted to local biochemical needs.
1. Hyaline cartilage
2. Elastic cartilage
3. Fibro cartilage
COMPONENTS OF CARTILAGE
As for other types of connective tissue it has the three components:
1.Cartilage Cell
a) Chondrocyte.
b) Chondroblast .
2. Fibers
a) Collagen type I and II.
b) Elastic (depending upon the type of cartilage).
3. Ground Substance
a) Hyaluronic acid.
b) Proteoglycan.
c) Glycoprotein