(i)Cartilage:
Nature: The cartilage is the specialised connective tissue which is compact and less vascular. It has extensive matrix that is produced and maintained by the chondrocytes. Matrix is solid, cheese-like and firm but also somewhat elastic .This accounts for its flexible nature. The matrix of cartilage have a delicate network of collagen fibre and living cells, chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are present in fluid filled space known as lacunae. Blood vessels are present in matrix. Chondrocytes multiply by mitosis and help in internal growth of the cartilage. Thus cartilage is capable of continued and rapid growth.
Occurrence: Cartilage is located in the following body parts: ear pinna, nose tip, epiglottis, intervertebral discs, end of long bones, lower ends of ribs and rings of trachea (wind-pipe). In shark fish (dog fish) the whole skeleton is cartilaginous, i.e. made up of cartilage.
Function: It provides support and flexibility of the body parts.
(ii)Bone:
Nature: bone is very strong and non-flexible tissue. Like cartilage, bone is a specialised cartilage tissue. It is porous, highly vascular, mineralised, hard and rigid. Its matrix is made up of proteins (e.g. osteonectin, osteocalcin, prototeogylcan and collagen). Matrix of bone is heavily coated with salts of magnesium and calcium.. these minerals are responsible for the hardness of the bone. The matrix of bone is in the form of thin concentric rings called lamellae in fluid filled space called lacunae. All lacunae of the bone communicate with each other by the network of fine canals, called canaliculi. Each canaliculi is filled with delicate cytoplasmic process of the bone cell. Through canacliculi each bone cell of each lacuna receives food and oxygen and eliminate waste.
Function of Skeletal System Tissues
Here are some function of skeletal system tissues function:
1. It provides shape tom the body.
2. It provides skeletal support to body.
3.. It protects vital body organs such as brain. Lungs, etc.
4. It serves storage site of calcium and phosphate.
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