Page 251 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

SECTION 1 • Cartilage

CHARACTERISTICS OF CARTILAGE

Develops from mesenchyme and consists of cells, connective tissue fibers,
and ground substance

Nonvascular, gets nutrients via diffusion through hydrated ground substance
Performs numerous supportive functions
Cells include chondroblasts and chondrocytes
Three types of cartilage are hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage

HYALINE CARTILAGE

Most common cartilage in the body and serves as a skeletal model for most

bones
In developing bones, cartilage present in epiphyseal plates allows bone
growth in length

Replaced by bone after calcification and endochondral ossification in certain
areas
Contains type II collagen fibrils, which are not seen in histologic sections due
to a reflective index similar to that of ground substance
In adults, perichondrium surrounds hyaline cartilage except on bone

articulating surfaces
Does not calcify on the articular surfaces of bones, ends of ribs (costal
cartilage), the nose, larynx, trachea, and in bronchi

ELASTIC CARTILAGE

Contains branching elastic fibers in matrix and is highly flexible

Found in the external ear, auditory tube, epiglottis, and part of the larynx
(cuneiform cartilage)

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