7/2 Bone/Cartilage

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to cartilage types, properties, bone structure, blood supply, pathologies, and cellular components from the lecture.

Cartilage

Resilient, semirigid connective tissue providing flexible support where more motion is needed.

Chondrocyte

Specialized cell that produces and maintains the cartilage extracellular matrix.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) – Cartilage

Non-cellular cartilage component containing collagen and ground substance; determines cartilage’s mechanical properties.

Type II Collagen

Collagen predominantly found in hyaline (articular) cartilage, providing resistance to compressive forces.

Type I Collagen

Collagen predominantly found in fibrocartilage, supplying tensile strength.

Avascular (Cartilage)

Lacking blood vessels, leading to limited healing potential and reliance on diffusion for nutrients.

Aneural (Cartilage)

Lacking nerve supply; damage may occur without pain signals.

Hyaline (Articular) Cartilage

Covers bone ends in most joints, lowers friction, lubricates, and transfers load; mainly type II collagen.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage with high elastin content, offering flexible support; found in external ear, Eustachian tube, etc.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage providing firm support and shock absorption; resists compression & shear; found in IVDs, menisci, TMJ disc, pubic symphysis.

Shear Force Damage (Cartilage)

Mechanism that disrupts ECM solids, leading to water loss and reduced compressive resistance in articular cartilage.

Trabecular (Spongy) Bone

Interior bone lattice that provides strength with minimal weight and houses marrow & vessels.

Cortical (Compact) Bone

Dense outer shell of bone offering structural rigidity and protection.

Primary Ossification Center

First site of bone tissue formation in the developing diaphysis.

Secondary Ossification Center

Later site of bone formation occurring in the epiphysis after birth.

Diaphysis

Shaft of a long bone formed from the primary ossification center and containing marrow.

Epiphysis

End segment of a long bone formed from a secondary ossification center.

Metaphysis

Region between diaphysis and epiphysis containing the epiphyseal (growth) plate.

Periosteum

Highly innervated fibrous membrane covering bone; major source of fracture pain.

Bone Vasculature

Network of blood vessels supplying bone; generally promotes good healing but is poor in certain bones (e.g., scaphoid).

Compartment Syndrome

Dangerous swelling and pressure increase within fascial compartments, potentially following bone fracture.

Osteoblast

Bone-forming cell responsible for depositing new bone matrix.

Osteoclast

Bone-resorbing cell; excessive activity (e.g., immobilization) reduces bone density.

Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets)

Condition where bone matrix fails to calcify, causing soft, easily deformed bones.

Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)

Impaired collagen synthesis leading to poor bone matrix formation, growth restriction, and delayed fracture healing.

Calcium Deficiency / Immobilization

State where osteoclastic resorption exceeds osteoblastic deposition, lowering bone density and increasing fracture risk.

Scaphoid (Poor Blood Supply)

Carpal bone with limited vascularity; fractures heal slowly and require cautious management.