Definition

Noun: A type of connective tissue that is smooth, glossy, and translucent. It is common in joints (where it covers bone ends), the respiratory passages (like the nose and trachea), and the ribs. It also forms most of the skeleton of a fetus, serving as a model for future bone development.

Usage

Hyaline cartilage is used to describe this specific biological tissue in anatomical and medical contexts. * It provides a low-friction surface for joint movement. * It offers flexible support in structures like the trachea. * In embryonic development, it is the primary skeletal material before being replaced by bone.

Examples

• The smooth surface of hyaline cartilage reduces wear in the knee joint.
• A biopsy confirmed damage to the hyaline cartilage in his airway.
• During development, the fetal skeleton is composed largely of hyaline cartilage.

Advanced Usage

• Histological description: In microscopy, hyaline cartilage is characterized by chondrocyte cells embedded in a homogeneous, glassy (hyaline) matrix.
• Pathological context: Degeneration of articular hyaline cartilage is a key feature of osteoarthritis.

Variants and Related Words

• Cartilage (n): The general term for the tough, flexible connective tissue of which hyaline cartilage is one type.
• Chondrocyte (n): The mature cell found within hyaline cartilage.
• Articular cartilage (n): The specific hyaline cartilage that covers the articulating surfaces of bones within joints. .
• Fibrocartilage (n): A different type of cartilage with more collagen fibers, found in intervertebral discs and menisci.
• Elastic cartilage (n): A different type of cartilage containing elastin fibers, found in the outer ear and epiglottis.

Synonyms

• Gristle (a more general, non-technical term for cartilage, though it often implies a tougher texture than pure hyaline cartilage).

Related Phrases

• Cartilaginous tissue: A formal phrase for tissue consisting of cartilage.
• Cartilage matrix: The extracellular substance surrounding chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage.

Noun

1. translucent cartilage that is common in joints and the respiratory passages; forms most of the fetal skeleton