Histology LEC-7

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The Cartilage
Is a strong, flexible and semi-rigid supporting connective tissue that protects
joints and bones. It acts as a shock absorber and many other multiple purposes
throughout the body. Consists, like other connective tissues, of cells
(chondrocytes and chondroblasts) and extracellular matrix that composed of
connective tissue fibers and ground substance.

- General characteristics of cartilage:

1. Unlike other connective tissue, not contain vessels or nerves.
2. Surrounded by a layer of dense connective tissue, the perichondrium.
3-Support soft tissues
4-Facilitating bone movements by provides shock absorbing and sliding area for
joints.
5-It is important for the development and growth of long bones both before and
after birth.
-Components of cartilage:
Cartilage develops from primitive mesenchyme cells that
differentiate into chondroblasts. The cartilage consists of:
1-Cells:
Cartilage contains cells that called chondroblasts and chondrocytes
embedded in the extracellular matrix. Chondrogenic cells (Cg) are
spindle shaped, with ovoid nucleus cells undergo division and
differentiate into chondroblasts (Cb), Chondroblasts can differentiate
then into chondrocytes. .

2-Extracellular matrix (ECM)

More than 95% of cartilage volume consists of extracellular matrix, which is
a functional element of this tissue. The extracellular matrix is composed of
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10% aggrecan, 75% water, and a mix of collagen fibers and other
constituents such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, which
are associated with the collagen and elastic fibers embedded within the matrix.

The extracellular matrix of cartilage is secreted by chondroblasts, which are

found in the outer covering layer of cartilage. As the chondroblasts secrete matrix
and fibers, they become trapped inside it, and mature into cells
called chondrocytes.

In growing cartilage, the chondrocytes can divide, and the daughter cells remain
close together in groups, forming called isogenous group or cell nest (2-4 cells).
The cavity that contains matrix and chondrocyte is called lacunae.

-The perichondrium is a sheath of dense connective tissue which cover most

types of cartilage, harbors the vascular supply for the avascular cartilage and also
contains nerves and lymphatic vessels. The perichondrium regarded as source of
nutrition occurs by diffusion nutrients to the cartilage.

Perichondrium composed of two layers:

1-Outer layer which is fibrous, containing fibroblasts cells that produce fibers.

2-Inner layer which is cellular, containing flat cells called chondroblast cells.
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-Types of cartilage:
There are three types of cartilage:
1-Hyaline cartilage
2-Fibrocartilage
3-Elastic cartilage
A classification based on the characteristics of the matrix and the amount
and types of fibers present in the matrix.

1-Hyaline Cartilage
This is the most common type of cartilage in the body and often has a
glassy appearance. It is mostly made up of collagen fibers (type II) and
is surrounded by a perichondrium. Hyaline cartilage is a precursor for
bone and so is found in the epiphyseal growth plates of children. It is
also found in the ribs, nose, larynx and trachea. .

Articular cartilage is hyaline cartilage within synovial joints that covers the
articulating bony surfaces and functions as a shock-absorbing tissue that provides
low friction movement during articulation.
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2- Elastic cartilage

This cartilage is found in the auricle of the ear, the walls of the external auditory
canal, the auditory tube, the epiglottis and certain cartilages of the larynx. The
type is found in areas where support and flexibility were needed. Elastic cartilage
in fresh state appears yellowish in color due to the presence of elastin in the elastic
fibers. It is essentially identical to hyaline cartilage except that it contains an
abundant network of branching elastic fibers in addition to collagen II fibers. The
chondrocytes are more abundant and larger than those of hyaline cartilage. This
cartilage also surrounded by a perichondrium.

3-Fibrocartilage

This type is found in areas where a tough support or tensile strength is required.
This cartilage present in intervertebral disks, articular disks, in attachments of
certain ligaments to bones. This tissue is combination between dense connective
tissue and hyaline cartilage. This cartilage is composed of small regions of
hyaline cartilage in which chondrocytes aligned either singly or in isogenous
groups, but commonly is short rows alternating with thick coarse bundles of dense

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collagen fibers. The matrix of fibrocartilage is acidophilic where it contains a

great numbers of coarse type I collagen fibers. This cartilage lacks
perichondrium.

-Growth and nourishment of cartilage:

Cartilage can grow in two ways: Interstitial growth - chondrocytes grow and
divide and lay down more matrix inside the existing cartilage. This mainly
happens during childhood and adolescence. Appositional growth - new surface
layers of matrix are added to the pre-existing matrix by new chondroblasts from
the perichondrium.

- What common conditions that may affect the cartilage?

The most common issues that affect the cartilage are include:
1-Injuries: Sports injuries or other traumas can damage or tear cartilage.
Some of the most common sports injuries like a torn meniscus or a separated
shoulder can damage the cartilage in joints. Injuring a joint can
cause osteochondritis lesions.
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2-Osteoarthritis: is the most common type of arthritis. In fact, 80% of adults

older than 55 have some amount of it. By the time, the cartilage into joints can
break down. Eventually, this can lead to pain and inflammation in the joint
because there’s not as much cushioning and lubrication as there used to
be.

3-Herniated disks: Herniated disks — also sometimes referred to as slipped,

ruptured or bulging disks — happen when the disk of cartilage between
vertebrae (the bones that make up your spine) is torn or punctured.

-Repair of Cartilage
Cartilage can be damaged by overuse of a joint or through direct injury but is
difficult to repair because:

1- Cartilage is avascular and relies on diffusion from perichondrium, so the

formation of new cartilage is often very slow

2-The chondrocytes are fixed in the lacunae and unable to migrate to repair
damaged areas

3-Damaged hyaline cartilage is often replaced with fibrocartilage

which is not as well suited to the function of cartilage at that site.
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Table: Characteristics of 3 types of cartilage

Hyaline cartilage Elastic Fibrocartilage

(yellow)
cartilage

Composit • Type II • Type II • Type II

ion of
extracellu collagen collagen collagen
lar matrix
(randomly • Aggrecan (parallel
oriented • Elastic fibrils)
fibrils)
fibers • Type I
• Aggrecan (yellow) collagen

Major • Chondrocyte • Chondroc • Chondrocytes

cells s ytes • Fibroblasts
• Chondroblast • Chondrobl
s asts

Arrangem Isolated or in small Usually in small Isolated or in

ent of isogenous groups isogenous groups isogenous groups
chondroc arranged axially
ytes

Presence Yes (except at Yes No

of epiphysis
perichon and articular
drium cartilage)

Locations • Upper • External • Intervertebral

respiratory ear discs
tract • External • Pubic
• Articular acoustic symphysis
ends and meatus • Meniscus and
epiphyseal • Auditory certain other
plates of long tube joints
bones • Epiglottis • Insertions of
• Fetal and larynx tendons
skeleton
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Table: Characteristics of 3 types of cartilage

Hyaline cartilage Elastic Fibrocartilage

(yellow)
cartilage

Functions • Provides • Provides • Provides

smooth, low- flexible cushioning
friction shape • Tensile
surfaces in • Support of strength
joints soft • Resistance
• Structural tissues
support for to tearing and
respiratory
tract compression