supporting CT

what is cartilage matrix

stiff gel matrix specialized for resilience

what are the 3 types of cartilage

hyaline, elastic, fibro

hyaline cartilage

most common, contains collage fibers making it tough and flexible
provide smooth surface for gliding (reduce friction)

where is hyaline cartilage found

articular surfaces, between ribs & sternum, precursors to long bone

elastic cartilage 

only cartilage that has elastic fibers 
very flexible 
tolerates bending & stretching 

where is elastic cartilage found

larynx & ear

fibro cartilage

only cartilage that contains large collagen fiber bundles
very durable & tough
resist compression, good for shock absorption, weight bearing surfaces

where is fibrocartilage found

intervertebral disks, knee meniscus, pubic symphysis

what is the perichondrium 

CT that wraps around cartilage & sets cartilage apart from surrounding tissue

has 2 outer layers

what are the two outer layers of perichondrium

outer fibrous layer: provide support & protection
intercellular layer: important for cartilage growth

three major cell types of CT

chondrocytes, chondroblasts, chondroclasts

what are chondrocytes

mature cartilage cells located in cartilage matrix
only cells in cartilage matrix
secrete new cartilage from within matrix
interstitial growth

what are chondroblasts

immature cartilage cells and mature into chondrocyctes 
located in inner cellular layer of perichondrium 
secrete new cartilage layers to periphery 

what are chondroclasts

located in inner cellular layer to perichondrium
dissolve cartilage