What is the histology of cartilage?
What is the histology of cartilage?
Cartilage is a connective tissue structure that is composed of a collagen and proteoglycan-rich matrix and a single cell type: the chondrocyte. Cartilage is unique among connective tissues in that it lacks blood vessels and nerves and receives its nutrition solely by diffusion [1].
What is the composition of cartilage?
Cartilage is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes. These chondrocytes produce large amounts of extracellular matrix composed of collagen fibres, proteoglycan, and elastin fibers. There are no blood vessels in cartilage to supply the chondrocytes with nutrients.
Which feature is typical of elastic cartilage?
Elastic cartilage is histologically similar to hyaline cartilage but contains many yellow elastic fibers lying in a solid matrix. These fibers form bundles that appear dark under a microscope. They give elastic cartilage great flexibility so it can withstand repeated bending. Chondrocytes lie between the fibers.
Is cartilage vascularized?
Cartilage is a non-vascular type of supporting connective tissue that is found throughout the body . Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that differs from bone in several ways; it is avascular and its microarchitecture is less organized than bone.
What Colour is cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage is pearl-grey in color, with a firm consistency and has a considerable amount of collagen. It contains no nerves or blood vessels, and its structure is relatively simple.
Where do humans have cartilage?
Cartilage is the main type of connective tissue seen throughout the body. It serves a variety of structural and functional purposes and exists in different types throughout our joints, bones, spine, lungs, ears and nose.
What is the function of fibrous cartilage?
Fibrocartilage is a tough, dense, and fibrous material that helps fill in the torn part of the cartilage; however, it is not an ideal replacement for the smooth, glassy articular cartilage that normally covers the surface of joints.
What is the weakest cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage
Hyaline cartilage appears slightly glassy under a microscope. This cartilage type has many thin collagen fibers that help to give it strength. However, hyaline cartilage is considered the weakest of the three cartilage types.
How is microfracture used to regrow cartilage in joints?
The microfracture technique prompts the body to create new tissue in the joint, but the new tissue is not much like cartilage. “Microfracture results in what is called fibrocartilage, which is really more like scar tissue than natural cartilage,” said Chan.
How does the process of cartilage regeneration work?
Progress With Cartilage Regeneration. Debridement or Abrasion – A surgeon arthroscopically removes loose cartilage which causes bleeding at the bone surface and growth of fibrocartilage (fibrous cartilage or scar tissue ). In some cases, the fibrocartilage may not be strong enough to effectively protect the joint.
Is there a way to regrow articular cartilage?
The Stanford researchers figured out how to regrow articular cartilage by first causing slight injury to the joint tissue, then using chemical signals to steer the growth of skeletal stem cells as the injuries heal. The work was published Aug. 17 in the journal Nature Medicine.
Who is the best doctor for cartilage regeneration?
Carol Eustice is a writer who covers arthritis and chronic illness. She is the author of “The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis.” Grant Hughes, MD, is board-certified in rheumatology and is the head of rheumatology at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center. Cartilage regeneration attempts to restore damaged articular (joint) cartilage.