Cartilage Types and Features

Overview

This lecture covers the histological features of fibrocartilage and how to distinguish it from other types of cartilage using microscope slides.

Identifying Fibrocartilage

• Fibrocartilage appears off-white in color at 100x magnification.
• Chondrocytes, the cartilage cells, are present and each is enclosed within a lacuna (small cavity).
• Chondrocytes in fibrocartilage are "housed" in lacunae and do not leave these spaces.
• The extracellular matrix of fibrocartilage contains visible lines or patterns, with fibers generally aligned in one direction.

Differentiating Cartilage Types

• Fibrocartilage: visible parallel fibers in the matrix and aligned pattern.
• Hyaline cartilage: smooth, misty matrix without visible fibers or pattern.
• Elastic cartilage: visible elastic fibers in the matrix.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Chondrocyte — cartilage cell found within cartilage tissue.
• Lacuna — small cavity in cartilage where a chondrocyte resides.
• Matrix — material between cells in cartilage, composed of fibers and ground substance.
• Fibrocartilage — type of cartilage with collagen fibers arranged in parallel, providing strength.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review microscope slides of fibrocartilage, hyaline cartilage, and elastic cartilage to practice identification.