Review of Cartilage and Joint Functions

Vocabulary and key concepts related to cartilage, bone, and joint functions.

Functions of cartilage

Support, flexibility, and cushioning.

Chondroblast

A cell that produces cartilage.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells that maintain the cartilage matrix.

Perichondrium

A layer of dense connective tissue that surrounds cartilage.

Zone of proliferating cartilage

A region in growing cartilage where chondrocytes multiply.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage with a glossy appearance; example includes costal cartilage.

Fibrocartilage

A tough, strong type of cartilage; example includes intervertebral discs.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage with elastic fibers; example includes the ear.

Vitamin C effect on bone cells

Stimulates the production of osteoblasts.

Interstitial growth

Growth from within the cartilage involving chondrocyte division.

Appositional growth

Growth at the outer surface of cartilage; involves chondroblast activity.

Hemopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation.

Example of short bone

Carpals are considered short bones.

Example of irregular bone

Vertebrae are classified as irregular bones.

Example of sutural bone

Wormian bones, small bones located between the sutures of the skull.

Periosteum cells present

Contains osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Endosteum cells present

Contains osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts.

Osteoprogenitor cells

Stem cells that differentiate into osteoblasts.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Osteoid

The unmineralized, organic portion of the bone matrix.

Osteon

The structural unit of compact bone.

Canaliculi

Microscopic channels in bone that allow for nutrient and waste exchange.

Lacunae

Small cavities in bone that house osteocytes.

Trabeculae

The small rods or plates within spongy bone.

Calcitriol

Active form of vitamin D involved in calcium absorption.

Hematoma in fracture repair

The initial blood clot formed at the fracture site.

Syndesmosis joint

A type of fibrous joint; example includes the distal tibiofibular joint.

Synchondrosis joint

A cartilaginous joint; example includes the epiphyseal plate.

Plane joint

A joint allowing sliding or gliding movements; example includes carpals.

Condylar joint

Allows movement in two planes; example includes the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Annulus fibrosus

The outer ring of the intervertebral disc.

Nucleus pulposus

The inner gel-like core of the intervertebral disc.

Bursae

Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in joints.

Spinal ligaments for intervertebral disc support

Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.

Spinal ligaments for spinal cord support

Ligamenta flava and other supporting ligaments.

Articular discs in TMJ

Fibrocartilage.

Cruciate ligaments function

Stabilize the knee by preventing excessive movement.

Synovial fluid function

Lubricates joints and provides nourishment to cartilage.

Ligaments supporting shoulder joint

Glenohumeral ligaments.

Joint type of pubic symphysis

A cartilaginous joint.

Ligaments that support hip joint

Iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments.

Ligaments that support ankle joint

Deltoid ligament and lateral ligaments including anterior talofibular.