T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Hyaline cartilage provides structural support in the respiratory system (larynx, trachea and bronchi).
The airway of the trachea is held open by cartilaginous rings of hyaline cartilage:
Perichondrium - a layer of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds cartilage. It is divided into two layers:
Outer Fibrous Layer - contains fibroblasts that produce the type I collagen on the outer surface of the perichondrium.
Inner Chondrogenic Layer - contains fibroblast-like cells that can differentiate into chondroblasts, initiate matrix production (type II collagen) and become immature chondrocytes.
Chondrocytes - cells within lacunae inside the cartilage that occur singularly or in clusters called isogenous groups.
Matrix - composed mostly of type II collagen and a ground substance of proteoglycans.
Territorial Matrix - basophilic area immediately around chondrocytes.
Interterritorial Matrix - less intensly stained area between isogenous groups of chondrocytes.
Hyaline cartilage contains no blood vessels or nerves.