Tissues of the Skeletal System

Vocabulary terms covering skeletal system tissues, including dense irregular connective tissue, hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and associated cells and structures.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

A vascular, very strong connective tissue with randomly arranged collagen fibers and blood vessels that forms the periosteum and provides strength in all directions.

Periosteum

An outer layer of dense irregular connective tissue covering the entire surface of the bone to protect it and allow pulling without tearing when muscles pull on the bone.

Fibroblasts

The dominant cell type in dense irregular connective tissue and cartilage that produces collagen fibers.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common type of cartilage in the body, featuring a glassy, translucent, and slightly flexible extracellular matrix that provides a smooth surface for joint movement.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells that sit inside lacunae to protect themselves from the surrounding extracellular matrix.

Lacunae

Pits or pools in cartilage tissue in which chondrocytes sit to protect themselves from the surrounding extracellular matrix.

Chondroblasts

Builder cells responsible for producing cartilage itself.

Fibrocartilage

A weight-bearing, avascular cartilage with densely packed collagen fibers and very little ground substance that allows for compression and resists shock.

Intervertebral Disc

A fibrocartilage structure located between the vertebrae within the spine.

Pubic Symphysis

A fibrocartilage connection located between the pubic bones in the pelvic girdle.

Meniscus

A shock-resisting fibrocartilage structure located in the knee joint.