Supporting CT

Chondrocyte

cartilage cell

Where are chondrocytes found?

lacunae in the extracellular matrix

Cartilage extracellular matrix

collagen and elastic fibers

Cartilage functions

support; withstand deformation; avascular

Hyaline cartilage

common, weakest, decreases friction; clear & glassy

Hyaline cartilage location

fetal skeleton; ends of articulating bones; trachea, larynx & nose

Fibrocartilage

densely interwoven cartilage fibers (wavy); durable, shock absorbing, compression resistant

Fibrocartilage location

intervertebral disc (spinal column), pubic symphysis, menisci of knee joint

Elastic cartilage

elastic fibers; snap back after deformation

Elastic cartilage location

epiglottis & external ear

Epiglottis

flap in throat that keeps food/liquids out of trachea when you swallow (made of elastic cartilage)

Compact bone

central canal has blood vessel; outer layer of bone; bone marrow

Spongy (cancellous) bone

not solid, lots of spaces; inner layer; blood made here

What fills the spaces of spongy bone?

reticular CT (makes stroma); filled with immune and stem cells

Fluid connective tissue

Blood

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells

Leukocytes

white blood cells

Platelets

fragments of blood clots involved in clotting

Plasma

watery ground substance with protein fibers

Trabecula

lattice of spongy bone in reticular CT

Bone marrow

spongy bone + reticular CT