supportive connective tissues4

? Cartilage: A versatile connective tissue that supports body structures. It is avascular and possesses no lymph vessels or nerves.
? Bone: Bone is a type of connective tissue that has a supportive and protec¬tive function; and also serves as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate.

? Functions of Cartilage:
1. Supporting soft tissues.
2. Providing a gliding surface at articulations (joints), where two bones meet.
3. Providing a model for the formation of most of the bones in the body.

? Functions of bone:
1. Provides structural support, giving shape and form to the body.
2. Provides movement through the insertion of muscles.
3. Serves as a stored source for calcium and phosphate.
4. Contains bone marrow (myeloid tissue).
? Comparison between cartilage and bone:
Characteristic Cartilage Bone
Cells Chondroblast and chondrocytes Osteoblasts, osteocytes, Osteoprogenitor and osteoclasts
Matrix Chondroitin sulfates with protein, forming hydrated proteogylcans Calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate
Fibers Collagen, elastic, reticular fibers (proportions vary) Collagen fibers predominate
Vascularity None Extensive
Covering Perichondrium, two layers Periosteum, two layers
Strength Limited: bends easily but hard to break. Strong: resists distortion until breaking point is reached.
Growth Interstitial and appositional Appositional only
Repair capabilities Limited ability Extensive ability
Oxygen demands Low High
Nutrient delivery By diffusion through matrix By diffusion through cytoplasm and fluid in canaliculi