Textbook Question
What are the general structural characteristics of connective tissues? What are the functions of connective tissues? How are their functions reflected in their structures?
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4. Tissues & Histology
Classes of Connective Tissue
4:41 minutesProblem 28
Textbook Question
Why does damaged cartilage heal slowly?
(a) Chondrocytes cannot be replaced if killed, and other cell types must take their place.
(b) Cartilage is avascular, so nutrients and other molecules must diffuse to the site of injury.
(c) Damaged cartilage becomes calcified, thus blocking the movement of materials required for healing.
(d) Chondrocytes divide more slowly than other cell types, delaying the healing process.
(e) Damaged collagen cannot be quickly replaced, thereby slowing the healing process.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the structure and function of cartilage. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides support and flexibility in various parts of the body, such as joints, the nose, and the ear. It is composed of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) embedded in a matrix of collagen and proteoglycans.
Step 2: Recognize the key characteristic of cartilage: it is avascular. This means that cartilage lacks blood vessels, which are essential for delivering nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to tissues. Instead, nutrients and waste products must diffuse through the matrix to reach the chondrocytes.
Step 3: Analyze the implications of being avascular. Since nutrients and other molecules must diffuse to the site of injury, the healing process is inherently slower compared to vascular tissues, where blood flow can rapidly deliver necessary components for repair.
Step 4: Evaluate the options provided in the question. Consider which explanation aligns with the avascular nature of cartilage and the slow diffusion of nutrients and molecules to the injury site.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is related to the avascular nature of cartilage, as this is the primary reason for its slow healing process. This corresponds to option (b).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chondrocytes and Cartilage Repair
Chondrocytes are the primary cells found in cartilage responsible for maintaining its structure and function. When these cells are damaged or killed, they cannot be easily replaced, leading to a slower healing process. This is crucial because the limited regenerative capacity of chondrocytes directly impacts the ability of cartilage to recover from injury.
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Avascular Nature of Cartilage
Cartilage is avascular, meaning it lacks a direct blood supply. As a result, nutrients and oxygen must diffuse through the surrounding matrix to reach the chondrocytes. This slow diffusion process significantly hampers the delivery of essential healing materials to the site of injury, contributing to the prolonged healing time of damaged cartilage.
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Calcification and Material Movement
When cartilage is damaged, it can undergo calcification, a process where calcium deposits accumulate in the tissue. This calcification can obstruct the movement of nutrients and other materials necessary for healing. Consequently, the blockage created by calcified areas further delays the repair process, making recovery from cartilage injuries particularly challenging.
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