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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Articular Cartilage Structure - Composition and Zones

Connective Tissue

A basic science examiner shows you a histological section of articular cartilage stained with safranin-O and asks you to describe the zonal organization and biochemical composition. They particularly want to know about the collagen network, proteoglycan content, and the biomechanical properties that make cartilage function as a load-bearing tissue. Regarding articular cartilage structure and composition:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Articular cartilage is avascular, aneural, and alymphatic with limited healing capacity; water const...

B

The four zones of articular cartilage have different collagen orientations: superficial zone has tan...

C

Type I collagen is the predominant collagen in articular cartilage; the superficial zone has the hig...

D

Articular cartilage is a biphasic material consisting of a fluid phase (water) and solid phase (coll...

E

Aggrecan is the major proteoglycan that aggregates with hyaluronan via link protein; the negative ch...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option