Cartilage is specialized for the supportive role in the animal’s body that contains chondrocytes, a supportive framework of collagen or elastic fibres and firm but pliable ground substances. You know, there are three different types of cartilage based on the structural basis of matrix – hyaline, elastic and fibroelastic cartilage. This post will describe the basichistology of hyaline cartilagewith slide images and labeled diagram.
Hey there, do you want to learncartilage histologyin details? Well, you will find the details guide of three different types of cartilage here in the anatomy learner blog.
But here in this post, you will learn theessential histology and identification points of hyaline cartilagewith slide labeled images. You will also know thecomponents of cartilage histology structurelike the cells, fibers and ground substances.
If you want to learncartilage histologyin details, you might start with this post. After completing this post, you will understand thehistological features of hyaline cartilage histologyslide under the light microscope.
Table of Contents
Hyaline cartilage histology
First, I would like to point out the essential histological features from thehyaline cartilage histologyslide under the light microscope. These will help you to understand every single component of the hyaline cartilage structure.
- #1. Perichondrium of hyaline cartilage structure
- #2. Inner chondrogenic layers of hyaline structure
- #3. Differentiating chondroblasts (if possible)
- #4. Fibroblasts in the perichondrium of hyaline cartilage
- #5. Pericellular matrix of the hyaline structure
- #6. Territorial matrix of hyaline cartilage
- #7. Interterritorial matrix of the hyaline structure
- #8. Isogenous chondrocytes in the lacunae
Fine, now you might find out these structures from thehyaline cartilage histology slide image.
Hyaline cartilage histology identification points
So, do you want to identify thehyaline cartilage histology slide under a light microscopewith proper identification points? Well, here I am going to enlist the identifying characteristics of hyaline cartilage slide under the light microscope.
#1. The provided sample tissue shows the homogenous and glassy basophilic matrix (both the territorial and interterritorial matrix).
#2. Presence of isogenous groups of chondrocytes (cell nest) within the basophilic matrix of the sample tissue.
#3. There is a perichondrium that covers the sample tissue peripherally.
#4. The number of chondrocytes increase in size from the periphery to the centre of the sample tissue
#5. Presence of numerous fibroblasts within the perichondrium.
So, this is a hyaline cartilage slide. You may also enlist other relevant histological features of hyaline cartilage structure if you want.
Description of hyaline cartilage structure
If you are interested to know the detailshistology of hyaline cartilage, then you may continue this article. Now, I will describe thehistological features of hyaline cartilage with slide images and a labeled diagram.
But, before to start I would like to inform you of the fundamental component ofcartilage histology. In cartilage histology, you will find three different components – cartilage cells (chondroblasts, chondrocytes), fibers (hyaline or elastic fibers) and ground substances.
Cells of cartilage histology
You will find two different types of cartilage cells – chondroblasts and chondrocytes. The chondroblast is an oval-shaped cell with a spherical nucleus that actively forms the matrix of cartilage. Usually, these chondroblasts are found in the growing cartilage of the animal’s body.
Again, the chondrocyte is the mature but less active cell in the cartilage matrix (after complete formation of cartilage matrix). The chondrocyte’s shape may vary from elongate to spherical and depends on the location within the cartilage. They are found in lacunae and also responsible for the production of fibres and ground substance.
Fibers of cartilage structure
You know, the matrix of a cartilage histology structure contains the fibers and ground substance as found in other different connective tissue of the body. You will find mostly collagen fiber (primarily type II and type I) and elastic fibers in the cartilage matrix structure.
These collagen or elastic fibers form the framework of the matrix of cartilage histology. If you want to know more about collagen fibers and elastic fibers, you may read articles in the connective tissue section.
The ground substance of cartilage structure
The ground substance of the cartilage structure composed of chondroitin sulphate, keratine sulphate and hyaluronic acid.
You will find two different types of matrix in the cartilage structure – territorial matrix and interterritorial matrix.
The territorial matrix is the newly formed matrix without the fibers that immediately surrounds the chondrocytes. Again, the territorial matrix is the old matrix of the cartilage structure with fibers located among the chondrocytes. The territorial matrix is more basophilic, whereas the interterritorial matrix is less basophilic.
Histological Features of hyaline cartilage
Hyaline cartilage is the most common type of cartilage in the animal’s body that serves as a skeletal model for most of the bone.
#1. Location of hyaline cartilage
#2. Cells of hyaline cartilage
#3. Matrix of hyaline cartilage histology (ground substance and fibers)
Location of hyaline cartilage
First, you might know where you will find hyaline cartilage in an animal’s body. You will find hyaline cartilage in the following organs or structures of animal’s body –
#1. Tracheal ring of animal
#2. Thyroid cartilage of animal
#3. Cricoid cartilage of different animals
#4. Costal cartilage
#5. Articular cartilage of different bones
#6. Epiphyseal plate
#7. Bronchi of lung structure
#8. In the nasal septum of animals
#9. In the larynx histology structure
Cells of hyaline cartilage structure
In the maturehyaline cartilage histology slide, you will find various size chondrocytes. Near the hyaline cartilage surface, these chondrocytes are small in size, and the lacunae are elliptical. But in the deep hyaline cartilage structure, the chondrocyte becomes larger and more polyhedral shaped.
Lacunae are the oval or elliptical space like cavity in the matrix of hyaline cartilage. Some lacunae contain only one chondrocyte, and some others include two, three or four chondrocytes. These type of multicellular lacunae are also known as cell nest or isogenous cells groups.
Matrix of hyaline structure
The extracellular matrix ofhyaline cartilage histologyis homogenous and glassy in appearance. The amorphous ground substance of a hyaline structure is generally firm and contains a collagen fiber network (type II).
You will find the pericellular, territorial matrix and interterritorial matrix in the hyaline cartilage structure. A thin layer of matrix is found around each chondrocyte which lacks collagen fibers but contains proteoglycans. This type of matrix refers to the pericellular matrix of the hyaline structure.
The territorial matrix surrounds the pericellular matrix composed of a network of fine collagen fibers and ground substances.
Again, the interterritorial matrix lies outside the territorial matrix that fills the space among the matrix structure’s lacunae or chondrocytes.
Perichondrium of hyaline cartilage
You will find a vascular connective tissue layer that surrounds the hyaline cartilage structure peripherally (except the articular surface). This connective tissue layer of hyaline cartilage is known as perichondrium.
Perichondrium of hyalinecartilage histology consistsof two distinct layers – the inner cellular and outer fibrous layers.
The cellular layer immediately adjacent to the hyaline cartilage matrix that contains chondroblasts and networks of small blood vessels. You will find irregularly arranged collagen fibres and fibroblasts in the outer fibrous layer of the perichondrium.
Hyaline cartilage slide images
Do you need morehyaline cartilage histology slideimages? Great, you may follow anatomy learner on social media to get more updatedcartilage histology slideimages.
Now, I will provide you with the drawing tutorial of hyaline cartilage slide images. If you want, you may follow this simple cartilage drawing tutorial.
You might also read other articles like elastic cartilage histology and fibrocartilage histology from the anatomy leaner blog.
#1. Histological features of loose connective tissue with labeled images
#2. Bone histology – the compact bone and spongy bone histological features with labeled pictures
Conclusion
This is the best guide to learnhyaline cartilagehistology with labeled diagram and real slide pictures. Now you will able to identify thehyaline cartilage histology slideunder a light microscope with proper identification points.
If you think this article helps learn cartilage structure, share it with your friends who want to start learning connective tissue structure. Again, if you want to get more articles like this cartilage structure, then follow anatomy learner
FAQs
What are the matrix and cells of hyaline cartilage? ›
Hyaline cartilage is found in the synovial joints and assists the motion of joints. It is composed of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix. Chondrocytes plays a major role in the organization of extracellular matrix, which is responsible for the biomechanical properties of cartilage tissue.
What is the histology of hyaline cartilage? ›Hyaline cartilage
This type of cartilage has a glassy appearance when fresh, hence its name, as hyalos is greek for glassy. It looks slightly basophilic overall in H&E sections. Hyaline cartilage has widely dispersed fine collagen fibres (type II), which strengthen it. The collagen fibres are hard to see in sections.
Hyaline cartilage
It lines your joints and caps the ends of your bones. Hyaline cartilage at the ends of your bones is sometimes referred to as articular cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is slippery and smooth which helps your bones move smoothly past each other in your joints.
The matrix of hyaline cartilage contains fibres made up of Type II collagen. They are thinner than the more familiar fibres made of Type I collagen, and cannot be seen in conventional histological sections: indeed the matrix looks remarkably amorphous.
Where is the matrix in hyaline cartilage? ›In Hyaline cartilage, the matrix is transparent. It is located on many of the joint surfaces. It is pearly bluish in color with firm consistency and has a large amount of collagen.
Where is hyaline cartilage found? ›Hyaline cartilage is the glass-like (hyaline) cartilage found on many joint surfaces. It is also most commonly found in the larynx, nasal septum, tracheal rings and ribs.
What is hyaline cartilage quizlet? ›Hyaline. Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type of cartilage. Although it contains large amounts of collagen fibers, THEY ARE NOT APPARENT and the matrix appears glassy. Blue-white when viewed by the unaided eye. Chondrocytes account for only 1-10% of the cartilage volume.
What is the role of hyaline cartilage in the body quizlet? ›Hyaline cartilage is the main type of cartilage found supporting and reinforcing body structures and joints. It covers the ends of long bones in joint cavities, it is found on the ends of the ribs that join the sternum, it supports the trachea, nose and most of the voice box or larynx.
What are the identifying characteristics of hyaline cartilage? ›Cartilage consists of cells embedded in a matrix (mat) of fibers and ground substance. The cells are called chondrocytes (ch) and the spaces in the cartilage in which they are found are called lacunae. Hyaline cartilage has very few fibers in its matrix, so the matrix usually looks smooth.
Where is hyaline cartilage found in animals? ›It is usually associated with bones. During development, hyaline cartilage forms the skeleton of vertebrate embryos. In adults, it can be found in tracheal rings, bronchi, nose, larynx, articular surfaces, and in the joints between the sternum and ribs.
What are the 4 functions of cartilage? ›
- The cartilage helps to prevent wear and tear of bone tips.
- The cartilage acts as cushions in intervertebral discs against stresses.
- It helps to provide a framework supporting soft tissue in the respiratory tract, nose, and ears.
- The cartilage provides support and flexibility to various body parts without breaking.
Composed of cells (chondrocytes) and an extracellular matrix composed of fibers and ground substance. The three types of cartilage include hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.
What is the matrix of cartilage tissue? ›The cartilage matrix is composed of collagens (primarily type II collagen with minor collagen types IX and XI) and proteoglycans. Although a number of proteinases have been found in the arthritic joints (Nagase and Woessner, 1993), matrixins are considered to be key enzymes for the degradation of cartilage matrix.
What is the structure of the cartilage matrix? ›It is composed of a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) with a sparse distribution of highly specialized cells called chondrocytes. The ECM is principally composed of water, collagen, and proteoglycans, with other noncollagenous proteins and glycoproteins present in lesser amounts.
What is hyaline cartilage composed of? ›Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage, is composed of type II collagen and chondromucoprotein and often has a glassy appearance. Note the numerous chondrocytes in this image, each located within lacunae and surrounded by the cartilage they have produced.
What are hyaline cartilage cells called? ›When sectioned and stained, the matrix of hyaline cartilage takes on a light purple color. Cartilage-forming cells called chondroblasts produce this matrix, which consists of an amorphous ground substance heavily invested with collagen fibers.
Which of the following is the primary function of hyaline cartilage? ›The hyaline cartilage in the tracheal wall provides support and keeps the trachea from collapsing.
What is hyaline cartilage in simple words? ›hyaline cartilage. noun. : translucent bluish white cartilage consisting of cells embedded in an apparently homogeneous matrix, present in joints and respiratory passages, and forming most of the fetal skeleton.
What organs have hyaline cartilage? ›In adults, hyaline cartilage is located in the articular surfaces of movable joints, in the walls of the respiratory tracts (nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi), in the costal cartilages, and in the epiphyseal plates of long bones.
What is the structure and function of cartilage? ›Cartilage has many functions, including the ability to resist compressive forces, enhance bone resilience, and provide support on bony areas where there is a need for flexibility. The primary cell that makes cartilage is the chondrocyte, which resides within the lacunae.
What uses hyaline cartilage for bone formation? ›
Endochondral ossification involves the replacement of hyaline cartilage with bony tissue. Most of the bones of the skeleton are formed in this manner. These bones are called endochondral bones. In this process, the future bones are first formed as hyaline cartilage models.
How does hyaline cartilage grow? ›Appositional growth occurs when chondroblasts secrete new matrix along existing surfaces and this causes the cartilage to expand and widen. In interstitial growth, chondrocytes secrete new matrix within the cartilage and this causes it to grow in length.
Where are 4 places cartilage is found in your body? ›Cartilage is the main type of connective tissue seen throughout the body. It serves a variety of structural and functional purposes and exists in different types throughout our joints, bones, spine, lungs, ears and nose.
What are the 4 zones of cartilage? ›Based on the ultrastructure and function, the articular cartilage is divided into four zones: superficial, transitional, deep, and calcified zone. The superficial zone is covered by synovial fluid, which reduces friction between bones.
What are the 3 types of cartilage and their functions? ›There are three types of cartilage: hyaline, fibrous, and elastic cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most widespread type and resembles glass. In the embryo, bone begins as hyaline cartilage and later ossifies. Fibrous cartilage has many collagen fibers and is found in the intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.
What is the location of cartilage? ›Cartilage is a connective tissue found in many areas of the body including: Joints between bones e.g. the elbows, knees and ankles. Ends of the ribs. Between the vertebrae in the spine.
What are the two main components in the matrix of hyaline cartilage? ›Hyaline cartilage matrix is primarily made of type II collagen and chondroitin sulphate, both of which are also found in elastic cartilage.
What cells are in hyaline cartilage? ›Chondrocytes are the only cartilage cells to be found in hyaline cartilage. These cells start as chondroblasts (or perichondrial cells) which produce the cartilaginous matrix, then get immobilized within it in small spaces called lacunae.
What are the matrix of cartilage? ›The cartilage matrix is composed of collagens (primarily type II collagen with minor collagen types IX and XI) and proteoglycans. Although a number of proteinases have been found in the arthritic joints (Nagase and Woessner, 1993), matrixins are considered to be key enzymes for the degradation of cartilage matrix.
What cells form the matrix of cartilage? ›Constituents of cartilage.
It is made up of cells called chondroblasts and chondrocytes, (chondro - cartilage) and extracellular matrix, made up about 10% aggrecan, 75% water, and a mix of collagen fibres and other constituents.
What type of epithelium is hyaline cartilage? ›
You can begin to see the details in hyaline cartilage (hc) structure in this image. The bar shows you the extent of the cartilage in the tracheal wall. At the very top of this image is a layer of pseudostratified ciliated epithelium.
What is the structure of cartilage tissue? ›Cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a dense matrix of collagen fibers and elastic fibers embedded in a rubbery ground substance. The matrix is produced by cells called chondroblasts, which become embedded in the matrix as chondrocytes. That is, mature cartilage cells are called chondrocytes.
What is the function of the hyaline cartilage? ›Hyaline cartilages are translucent cartilages that are found in places where the bone ends meet joints, nose, larynx, respiratory tract, ribs, and trachea. The main function of hyaline cartilages is to provide cushions and minimize friction between joints during heavy activities.
Where is hyaline cartilage found in the body quizlet? ›Hyaline cartilage is the main type of cartilage found supporting and reinforcing body structures and joints. It covers the ends of long bones in joint cavities, it is found on the ends of the ribs that join the sternum, it supports the trachea, nose and most of the voice box or larynx.
What are the characteristics of hyaline cartilage quizlet? ›- Hyaline Cartilage- Structure. Glassy- appearing matrix, lacunae house chondrocytes, usually covered by perichondrium.
- Hyaline Cartilage- Function. Smooth surfaces for movement at joints model for bone growth.
- Hyaline Cartilage- Location.
Chondrocytes are mainly responsible for the production of collagen and the extracellular matrix that will lead to the maintenance of cartilaginous tissues within joints. Initial cartilage is composed of the mesenchyme during the fifth week of development.