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'''Trabecular Cartilage''' is a type of [[cartilage]] that is found in certain [[vertebrates]], including some [[fish]] and [[amphibians]]. It is characterized by its spongy, lattice-like structure, which is formed by a network of fine [[trabeculae]] or "little beams".
== Trabecular Cartilage ==


==Etymology==
[[File:Gray69.png|thumb|right|Diagram of human cartilage structure]]
The term "trabecular" is derived from the Latin word "trabecula", which means "little beam". This refers to the beam-like structures that form the lattice network in this type of cartilage.
[[File:Shark Lacerta deBeer1937.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration of cartilage in sharks]]


==Structure and Function==
'''Trabecular cartilage''' is a specialized form of [[cartilage]] that is characterized by a network of bony trabeculae, or small, beam-like structures, within the cartilage matrix. This type of cartilage is found in certain parts of the body where it provides structural support and flexibility.
Trabecular cartilage is composed of a network of fine trabeculae that form a spongy, lattice-like structure. This structure provides a high degree of flexibility and resilience, making it well-suited to areas of the body that require both strength and flexibility, such as the [[gill]] arches of fish and the [[larynx]] and [[trachea]] of amphibians.


Unlike other types of cartilage, such as [[hyaline cartilage]] and [[fibrocartilage]], trabecular cartilage does not contain [[chondrocytes]] within lacunae. Instead, the cells are dispersed throughout the extracellular matrix, which is composed of [[collagen]] and [[proteoglycans]].
== Structure ==
Trabecular cartilage is composed of a dense network of collagen fibers and proteoglycans, which provide it with both strength and elasticity. The trabeculae within the cartilage are made up of mineralized tissue, which gives the cartilage its unique structural properties. This mineralization is similar to that found in [[bone]], but trabecular cartilage remains more flexible than bone due to its cartilaginous matrix.


==Distribution==
== Function ==
Trabecular cartilage is found in certain vertebrates, including some species of fish and amphibians. In fish, it is found in the gill arches, where it provides support and flexibility. In amphibians, it is found in the larynx and trachea, where it helps to maintain the shape of these structures while allowing for movement and flexibility.
The primary function of trabecular cartilage is to provide support and absorb mechanical stress in areas of the body that require both rigidity and flexibility. It is commonly found in the [[joints]], where it helps to cushion and protect the ends of bones during movement. Additionally, trabecular cartilage plays a role in the growth and development of the skeletal system, particularly during the early stages of [[embryonic development]].


==Related Terms==
== Occurrence ==
* [[Cartilage]]: A flexible connective tissue found in many areas of the body.
Trabecular cartilage is found in various locations throughout the body, including the [[epiphyseal plate]]s of growing bones, the [[meniscus]] of the knee, and the [[intervertebral disc]]s of the spine. It is also present in certain [[cartilaginous fish]], such as [[sharks]], where it contributes to the flexibility and buoyancy of their skeletons.
* [[Trabeculae]]: The small, beam-like structures that form the lattice network in trabecular cartilage.
 
* [[Chondrocytes]]: The cells that produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix in most types of cartilage.
== Development ==
* [[Collagen]]: A protein that provides strength and structure to various tissues in the body, including cartilage.
During development, trabecular cartilage forms through a process known as [[endochondral ossification]], where cartilage is gradually replaced by bone. This process is crucial for the formation of long bones and the overall growth of the skeleton. The presence of trabecular cartilage in the growth plates of bones allows for the continued elongation of bones during childhood and adolescence.
* [[Proteoglycans]]: Large molecules that are part of the extracellular matrix in cartilage, where they bind water and help to provide resilience.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Cartilage]]
* [[Bone]]
* [[Endochondral ossification]]
* [[Meniscus (anatomy)]]
* [[Intervertebral disc]]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Cartilage]]
[[Category:Cartilage]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Skeletal system]]
[[Category:Vertebrates]]
 
{{stub}}
= Trabecular cartilage =
<gallery>
File:Gray69.png|Trabecular cartilage illustration from Gray's Anatomy
File:Shark_Lacerta_deBeer1937.jpg|Shark and Lacerta illustration from de Beer's 1937 work
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 01:56, 17 February 2025

Trabecular Cartilage[edit]

Diagram of human cartilage structure
Illustration of cartilage in sharks

Trabecular cartilage is a specialized form of cartilage that is characterized by a network of bony trabeculae, or small, beam-like structures, within the cartilage matrix. This type of cartilage is found in certain parts of the body where it provides structural support and flexibility.

Structure[edit]

Trabecular cartilage is composed of a dense network of collagen fibers and proteoglycans, which provide it with both strength and elasticity. The trabeculae within the cartilage are made up of mineralized tissue, which gives the cartilage its unique structural properties. This mineralization is similar to that found in bone, but trabecular cartilage remains more flexible than bone due to its cartilaginous matrix.

Function[edit]

The primary function of trabecular cartilage is to provide support and absorb mechanical stress in areas of the body that require both rigidity and flexibility. It is commonly found in the joints, where it helps to cushion and protect the ends of bones during movement. Additionally, trabecular cartilage plays a role in the growth and development of the skeletal system, particularly during the early stages of embryonic development.

Occurrence[edit]

Trabecular cartilage is found in various locations throughout the body, including the epiphyseal plates of growing bones, the meniscus of the knee, and the intervertebral discs of the spine. It is also present in certain cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, where it contributes to the flexibility and buoyancy of their skeletons.

Development[edit]

During development, trabecular cartilage forms through a process known as endochondral ossification, where cartilage is gradually replaced by bone. This process is crucial for the formation of long bones and the overall growth of the skeleton. The presence of trabecular cartilage in the growth plates of bones allows for the continued elongation of bones during childhood and adolescence.

Related Pages[edit]

References[edit]

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>

Trabecular cartilage[edit]

  • Trabecular cartilage illustration from Gray's Anatomy
    Trabecular cartilage illustration from Gray's Anatomy
  • Shark and Lacerta illustration from de Beer's 1937 work
    Shark and Lacerta illustration from de Beer's 1937 work
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