Cartilage

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue in joints, ears, nose, respiratory tract.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells that produce and maintain the matrix.

Elastic Cartilage

Flexible cartilage with elastic fibers, in ear and epiglottis.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Network of proteins and sugars providing support, rich in collagen.

Fibrocartilage

Strong cartilage with dense collagen, in discs, pubic symphysis, menisci.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common cartilage, smooth joint surfaces, in nose, trachea, larynx.

Lacunae

Spaces in cartilage matrix housing chondrocytes.

Perichondrium

Connective tissue around cartilage for nutrients and growth.

Bone

Hard, dense tissue forming skeleton; supports, protects, stores minerals.

Canaliculi

Small bone channels connecting lacunae to Haversian canal.

Compact Bone

Dense outer bone layer organized in osteons; also called cortical bone.

Diaphysis

Shaft of long bone with compact bone and medullary cavity.

Endosteum

Inner bone lining with osteoblasts and osteoclasts for remodeling.

Epiphyseal Plate

Cartilage growth plate responsible for bone length growth.

Epiphysis

Rounded end of long bone with spongy bone and red marrow.

Haversian System (Osteon)

Structural unit of compact bone with concentric lamellae.

Lamellae

Thin layers of bone matrix around Haversian canal for strength.

Medullary Cavity

Central cavity of diaphysis containing marrow.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete collagen and minerals.

Osteoclasts

Large cells that break down bone tissue and release calcium.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells maintaining bone tissue.

Periosteum

Outer connective tissue covering bone, with blood vessels and nerves.

Spongy Bone

Porous bone at ends with trabeculae and marrow; cancellous bone.

Trabeculae

Thin rods in spongy bone providing support and housing marrow.