Histology of cartilage

Dr Sharifa Abdul Aziz 2012/2013

Cartilage

Supporting connective tissue. Matrix-firm gel that contains polysaccharide derivatives called chondroitin sulfates. CS for complexes with protein in ground substance proteoglycans. Is avascular, so diffusion of nutrients & waste products. Blood vessels does not grow in it, cause chemicals produced by chondrocytes discouraged it. Seperated from surrounding tissue by perichondrium. Outer fibrous layer and inner cellular layer.

Cartilges of ribs

 Growth of cartilage by: A. Interstitial growth- occurs from early embryo to adolescence. Cell divide & daughter cells produce additional matrix. Growth from inside. B. Appositional growth new layers of cartilage are added to the surface. Cells of inner layer of perichondrium undergo repeated cycles of divisions. Growth not occur in adult except when cartilage is slightly damaged or excessively stimulated by growth hormones from pituitary gland. If excessive damage replaced by dense fcibrous patch.

Cartilges of joint

Cartilage

Cartilage tissue : Specialized connective tissue. Extracellular matrix enriched with glycoaminoglycans and proteo-glycans. These macromolecules interact with collagen and elastic fibers. Functions : to support soft tissue, shock absorbing & sliding area for joints, essential for development and growth of long bones b4 & after birth.

Cartilage cells 1. Chondroblast- rounded cells from stellate shape ,primitive mesenchymal cells. They divide and give rise to chondrocytes. 2. Chondrocytes-are derived from chondroblast. Mature cartilage cells . Very limitted capacity to repair and regenerate. Most cartilage are devoid of blood vessels. Get nutrition by diffusion.

Types of cartilage histologically

Histologically : consists of cells (chondrocytes) (1chondrocyte in one lacuna) and extensive extracellular matrix composed of fibers and ground substances. Three major types of cartilages: 1. Hyaline cartilage 2. Elastic cartilage 3. Fibrocartilage.

Hyaline cartilage Hyaline cartilage: most common type. Fresh Hyaline C is bluish-white and translucent. Dense perichondrium( +) except inside joint cavity. Perichondrium : two layers , outer fibrous (collagen) and inner cellular (chondroblast )layers. Fibroblast also + in here. Matrix : amorphous intercellular substance with closely packed collagen fibers. Example : ventral ends of ribs, articular surfaces of movable joint, larynx, trachea, bronchi, part of nasal septum.

Hyaline cartilage

Elastic cartilage Perichondrium : two layers , outer fibrous and inner cellular layers. Matrix : numerous fine network of elastic fibers + ground substance. Fresh E. cartilage : yellow in color because of the presence of elastin (Orcein stain). Chondrocytes in lacuna spaces ( >1 chondrocytes in 1 lacuna) Examples : outer ear, walls of external auditory meatus, epiglottis, eustachian tubes (auditory tube) ,cuneiform cartilages of larynx.

Elastic cartilage

Fibrocartilage No perichondrium ** Matrix : densely interwoven collagen fibers (durable and tough). Amorphous matrix is less abundant here. Chondrocytes similar to those of hyaline are seen. Arranged in long rows. Examples : intervertebral disc, symphysis pubis, in attachment of certain ligament to cartilaginous surface of bone.

Fibrocartilage

Intervertebral disc
Rounded cells in nucleus pulposus

Fibrocartilage in annulus fibrosus

Comparison

Cartilage
Chondrocytes in lacunae(>1/lacuna).

Bone
Osteocytes in lacuna(1/1) Small vol. of liquid, insoluble crystals of calcium phosphate & carbonates.

Ground substance : chondroitin sulfate and water

Collagen, elastic, reticular fibers. Collagen fibers predominate.

Vascularity : none.
Perichondrium two layers. Strength : limited, bends easily, hard to break

Extensive
Periosteum two layers Strong, resists distortion until breaking point.

Contd.
1. Cells of cartilage tissue include A. chondrocytes. B. osteocytes. C. chondroblast. D. fibroblast. E. osteoclast.

2. Compact bone consists of A. Osteon. B. Haversian canal. C. Trabeculae. D. Volkmann canal. E. Chondroblast.

3. Elastic cartilage is found in A. the ends of bone. B. intervetebral disc. C. external ear. D. trachea. E. Epiglottis

4. What is the differences between cartilage and bone. 5marks. 5. The following statements are true regarding cartilage : A. Epiglottis is an example of elastic cartilage. B. Perichondrium covers the outer layer of fibrocartilage. C. Cartilage has plenty of blood supply. D. Each lacuna consists of one chondrocyte only. E. Hyaline cartilage contains amorphous ground substances.