a-short-review-of-histology

Cartilage:

Cartilage is a specialised type of connective tissue which consists of cells and an extracellular matrix which is resistant to compression but retains some pliability, unlike bone
The main cells in cartilage are the chondroblasts and chondrocytes
Both cell types are found within lacunae
The chondroblasts are the cells which are immature but are active in the laying down of cartilage extracellular matrix
Chondrocytes are less active and are mainly involved in the maintenance of extracellular matrix around them
The extracellular matrix of cartilage is formed from collagen and proteoglycans
The collagen provides strength
The proteoglycans bind water and in combination with the organisation of the collagen fibres provides a matrix resistant to compression
Cartilage is generally found in plates
Growth of cartilage is by either appositional growth or by interstitial growth
In appositional growth, the main type of growth, new cartilage cells and matrix are laid down on the surface of a plate of cartilage to increase its size
In interstitial growth, proliferation of chondroblasts gives rise to nests of cells within the plate of cartilage
There are three types of cartilage: hyalin, elastic and fibrocartilage
Unlike bone, cartilage is avascular