Hyaline cartilage is a type of connective tissue found in many areas of the body, such as the joints, ribs, and nose. Its name comes from the Greek word "hyalos," meaning glass, because it has a smooth, glassy appearance. The IPA phonetic transcription for "hyaline" is /haɪəˌlaɪn/, which indicates that it is pronounced with two syllables ("hi" and "uh") and a long "i" sound in the first syllable. "Cartilage" is IPA-transcribed as /ˈkɑrtəlɪdʒ/, with the stress on the first syllable and a "j" sound at the end.
Hyaline cartilage refers to a type of connective tissue that is translucent and smooth in appearance. It is the most common type of cartilage found in the human body, forming the basic structure of various body parts and providing them with flexibility and support. The word "hyaline" derives from the Greek word "hyalos," meaning glass-like, referring to the tissue's glassy and shiny appearance.
This type of cartilage is characterized by a firm and flexible matrix composed of a dense network of collagen fibers embedded in a gel-like substance called ground substance that fills the space between the cells. The collagen fibers provide strength and durability while the ground substance offers resistance to compression, allowing the cartilage to absorb shocks and withstand mechanical stress.
Hyaline cartilage can be found in numerous locations throughout the body, including the joints, nose, trachea, and bronchi. In joints, it covers the ends of bones, providing a smooth and low-friction surface for movement. It also acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the joints and reducing wear and tear.
Despite its resilience, hyaline cartilage has a limited ability to repair and regenerate itself due to its scarcity of blood vessels and nutrients. This property contributes to the challenge of treating cartilage-related injuries and conditions. When damaged, hyaline cartilage may be replaced by fibrocartilage or scar tissue, leading to a loss of the tissue's inherent properties and potentially causing functional impairment.
The usual form of permanent, nonarticular cartilage, in which the cells are embedded in a homogeneous or finely granular basement substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hyaline" is derived from the Greek word "hyalos", meaning glass. "Cartilage", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "cartilago", which refers to gristle or tough, elastic connective tissue. Therefore, "hyaline cartilage" combines the Greek and Latin roots, referring to a type of connective tissue that appears clear and glassy.