Chapter 6: Bones and Skeletal Tissues - Skeletal Cartilages

This flashcard set covers the basic components, classification, properties, and specific locations of skeletal cartilages, with a focus on hyaline cartilage as described in the lecture notes.

Skeletal Cartilages

Variety of cartilage tissue molded to fit its body location and function, which initially makes up the human skeleton along with fibrous membranes before being replaced by bone.

Perichondrium

A layer of dense irregular connective tissue surrounding cartilage that resists outward expansion when the cartilage is compressed and contains blood vessels for nutrient delivery.

Resilience

A characteristic of skeletal cartilage primarily accounted for by its water content, allowing it to spring back after being compressed.

Avascular

A term describing skeletal cartilage meaning it contains no blood vessels.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells that are encased in lacunae within the extracellular matrix.

Lacunae

Small cavities or spaces within the extracellular matrix where chondrocytes are located.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most abundant type of skeletal cartilage that provides support, flexibility, and resilience, and has a frosted glass appearance.

Articular Cartilage

A type of hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of most bones at movable joints.

Costal Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.

Respiratory Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that forms the larynx (voicebox) and reinforces other respiratory passageways.

Chondroblasts

Cells that produce the amorphous but firm matrix of hyaline cartilage before maturing into chondrocytes.