Cartilage
What is cartilage?
Answer.
The cartilage is a specialized connective tissue, with a rubbery matrix (gel-like matrix) due to the deposition of proteoglycans which provides firmness along with elasticity to the skeletal framework of the body. Phylogenetically, it is older than the bone tissue.
Connective tissue characteristics of cartilage
- It is made up of a dense network of collagen or elastic fibres, which provide tensile strength to it.
- Its fibres are embedded in a firm, jelly-like amorphous substance made up of mucopolysaccharides, which allows the cartilage to bear weight without bending.
- It is firm in consistency and has elasticity.
Role of proteoglycans in cartilage structure
- It is an avascular tissue. The invasion of cartilage by blood vessels results in its calcification and death.
- It has no lymphatics.
- It is well adapted to coat the articular ends of the bone.
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