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Anatomy and Histology of Cartilage

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Cartilage Imaging

Abstract

Cartilage is a connective tissue structure that is composed of a collagen and proteoglycan-rich matrix and a single cell type: the chondrocyte. Cartilage is unique among connective tissues in that it lacks blood vessels and nerves and receives its nutrition solely by diffusion [1]. In fetal life, cartilage forms the template for the majority of the skeleton but persists in selected locations into adulthood including articular surfaces, ribs, ears, and the tracheobronchial tree. Structurally, cartilage provides a firm material which, depending on subtype, is adapted to resist and damp compressive and tensile forces. Functionally, it plays important roles in skeletal development, growth and repair, joint articulation, lubrication, and patency of the respiratory tract. Although the mechanical properties of cartilage are functions of the extracellular matrix, it is the chondrocyte that directs the synthesis and composition of the matrix. Though few in number, chondrocytes also mediate critical pathways of regeneration and growth by highly regulated signal transduction pathways that are now becoming better understood [2, 3].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of California, 1600 Divisadero Street, B220, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA

    Andrew Horvai

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  1. Andrew Horvai
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Correspondence to Andrew Horvai .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Ave., A-367, San Francisco, 94143-0628, California, USA

    Thomas M. Link

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Horvai, A. (2011). Anatomy and Histology of Cartilage. In: Link, T. (eds) Cartilage Imaging. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8438-8_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8438-8_1

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