Fibrocartilage – Tutorial
Please read Unit 2 – Introduction to Connective Tissues prior to completing the activities in this chapter.
Introduction to Fibrocartilage
Fibrocartilage is a supportive connective tissue that is extremely durable yet shock absorptive due to the abundance of densely packed collagen fibers and very little ground substance in its extracellular matrix. The main type of cell found in fibrocartilage is chondrocytes (mature cartilage cells) which exist in a tiny space known as a lacuna. Chondrocytes secrete proteins that assemble into collagen fibers and secrete substances to maintain healthy cartilage matrix.
The firm yet shock-absorptive matrix of fibrocartilage provides cushioning between bony structures that must withstand high pressures, acting like a dense rubber bumper between bones. Fibrocartilage forms the intervertebral discs of the spine, the cartilage pad between the pubic bones (pubic symphysis), the meniscus between the tibia and femur of the knee joints, the labrum between the scapula and humerus of the shoulder joints, and the labrum between the femur and pelvis of the hip joints.
