skeletal cartilage

The skeletal system consists of bones, cartilages, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Connective tissues play a crucial role in holding bones together and facilitating movement at joints.

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue characterized by a flexible matrix.
- Appearance Under Microscope:
- Unique due to polysaccharides known as chondroitin sulfates.
- Chondroitin sulfates bind with ground substance proteins to form proteoglycans.
Chondrocytes:
- These are the cells found within the cartilage matrix.
- They are located inside small spaces called lacunae (singular: lacuna).
Perichondrium:
- A dense irregular connective tissue layer that encapsulates the cartilage.
Avascular Nature of Cartilage:
- Cartilage does not contain blood vessels, making it avascular.
- Nutrients and waste removal occur through diffusion in the matrix, which leads to slow repair capabilities of damaged cartilage.

Hyaline Cartilage
- Most common type of cartilage in the body.
- Found in structures such as the rib cage and nose.
- Articular Cartilage:
  - A specialized form of hyaline cartilage found in joints.
  - Lacks a perichondrium and helps cushion joints while allowing free movement.
Fibrocartilage
- Characterized by tough structures, it has thick bundles of collagen fibers dispersed throughout its matrix.
- Examples include:
  - Menisci:
  - Found in the knee joint providing support and stability.
  - Intervertebral Discs:
  - Located between vertebrae in the spine, acting as shock absorbers.
Elastic Cartilage
- Contains elastic fibers alongside collagen and proteoglycans, providing the tissue with both rigidity and elasticity.
- An example includes the external ear.
- Physical Demonstration:
  - Tugging gently at the ear demonstrates its elasticity—upon releasing, it returns to its original shape, showcasing the functional capabilities of elastic cartilage.