Identify and explain functional significance of the different cartilage components – cells, matrix, perichondrium.

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in many areas in the bodies of humans and other animals, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes, the intervertebral discs, and the elbow. It is not as hard and rigid as bone, but it is stiffer and less flexible than muscle.

1. Cells: The cells of cartilage, called chondrocytes, are responsible for the production of the cartilage matrix. They are found in small cavities within the matrix, known as lacunae. Chondrocytes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells, and they secrete the components of the extracellular matrix, including collagen and proteoglycans. The functional significance of chondrocytes lies in their role in maintaining the structural integrity of cartilage by continually producing new matrix, as well as by removing and recycling products of matrix breakdown.

2. Matrix: The matrix of cartilage is made up of water, collagen, and proteoglycans. Collagen provides tensile strength to the tissue, allowing it to resist stretching. Proteoglycans, on the other hand, are large molecules that trap water, giving the cartilage its resilience and resistance to compression. The matrix is crucial for the function of cartilage, as it provides the tissue with its mechanical properties, allowing it to withstand forces and pressures that would otherwise cause damage.

3. Perichondrium: The perichondrium is a layer of dense irregular connective tissue which surrounds the cartilage of developing bone. It is responsible for the delivery of nutrients to the cartilage, as cartilage itself does not contain blood vessels. The perichondrium also contains cells that can differentiate into chondrocytes, contributing to the growth and repair of cartilage. Its functional significance lies in its role in supporting and protecting the cartilage tissue, as well as in facilitating its growth and repair.

In summary, each component of cartilage - the cells, the matrix, and the perichondrium - has a unique and crucial role in maintaining the health and function of this important tissue.