Cartilage and Bone, Demonstrations
Hyaline Cartilage
- Note glassy nature of the matrix. Territorial
matrix around chondrocyte lacunae stains mor heavily with basic
dye. the rest of the matrix can be termed interterritorial (if
you must). Chondrocytes are seldom well preserved because it takes
a while for fixative to penetrate the matrix during which time
the cells are without an oxygen supply
Elastic Cartilage
- Very similar to hyaline cartilage with the addition of elastin
fibers. The elastin has been stained dark blue/purple in this
preparation.A small amount of adipose tissue is in the lowe right
cornerof this image. In some areas there is so much elastin that
it presents a solid dark color while in others it is seen in the
form of fibers.
Fibrocartilage - which is a combination of hyaline cart. and collagen
type I. Large pointer is lost. Could a student have moved the
slide? Nah! ------They wouldn't do that!
Cancellous or Membrane
Bone - Osteoblasts are arranged along the surface of a bone spicule.
Some have become trapped in matrix and are now Osteocytes. One
multinucleate acidophillic Osteoclast can be seen. Why does it
appear to be separated from the bone spicule? Is it really separated?
If not, then why does it look that way?
Ground Bone - There is no organic matter in this slice (grinding)
of compact bone. The Lacunae, the Canaliculi, and the Haversian
Canal look black because of the bending of the light rays passing
through the ground bone. The lamellae form concentric rings around
the central Haversian Canal. Remember that the collagen in living
bone spirals one way in one lamella and the other in the adjacent
lamella adding strength to compact bone.
Interstitial Lamellae
are left over pieces of old Haversian systems.
Endochondral
Bone Formation - The various zones
of the region where cartilage is gradually being REPLACED by
bone are indicated here.