Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of cartilage connective tissue?
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4. Tissues & Histology
Specialized Connective Tissue: Cartilage
Problem 18
Textbook Question
Compare bone to cartilage tissue relative to its resilience, speed of regeneration, and access to nutrients.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the key characteristics of bone tissue: it is highly resilient due to its mineralized matrix, has a relatively fast regeneration rate compared to cartilage, and has good access to nutrients through its rich blood supply.
Identify the key characteristics of cartilage tissue: it is less resilient than bone because it has a flexible, gel-like matrix, regenerates more slowly due to limited cell division and repair capacity, and has poor access to nutrients because it is avascular (lacks blood vessels).
Compare resilience by explaining that bone's mineralized matrix provides greater strength and resistance to mechanical stress, whereas cartilage's flexible matrix allows for cushioning but less overall strength.
Compare speed of regeneration by noting that bone can repair fractures relatively quickly due to active osteoblasts and blood supply, while cartilage heals slowly because chondrocytes have limited ability to divide and the tissue lacks direct blood flow.
Compare access to nutrients by highlighting that bone receives nutrients through blood vessels in the Haversian system, whereas cartilage relies on diffusion of nutrients through the extracellular matrix from surrounding tissues, limiting its nutrient supply.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Resilience of Bone and Cartilage
Resilience refers to the ability of a tissue to withstand stress and return to its original shape. Bone is rigid and strong due to its mineralized matrix, making it highly resilient to mechanical forces. Cartilage is more flexible and elastic, allowing it to absorb shock but making it less resistant to heavy loads compared to bone.
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Speed of Regeneration
Bone tissue has a high capacity for regeneration because it is highly vascularized and contains osteogenic cells that promote repair. Cartilage regenerates slowly due to its avascular nature and limited cell division, which restricts nutrient delivery and slows the healing process.
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Access to Nutrients
Bone tissue has a rich blood supply through its vascular network, allowing efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery to cells. In contrast, cartilage lacks blood vessels and relies on diffusion from surrounding tissues for nutrients, which limits its metabolic activity and repair capabilities.
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