28) Why are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) hydrophilic? The hydrophilic property of t

Question

28) Why are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) hydrophilic? The hydrophilic property of these molecules makes an extracellular matrix that has lots of GAGs a very aqueous environment. What is the advantage of a watery environment? In other words, compare the structural advantages of a matrix with lots of strong collagen fibers e.g. tendon, with the structural advantages of a matrix with lots of GAGs e.g. loose connective tissue or articular cartilage.

29) How do we classify connective tissue?

30) What are the specialized connective tissues?

31) What are the 3 different classes of cartilage? States some locations of each.

32) To which of these classes does articular cartilage belong? Where do you find articular cartilage?

33) Which type of cartilage is strongest? Which is best at resisting compressive forces? Which can be most easily flexed?

34) Know the location and function of all the connective tissue structures within a knee joint.

Explanation / Answer

28) Due to their polar nature glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can attract water and are thus hydrophilic.

29) Connective tissue is classified as four major groups:

30) Apart from connective tissue proper the remaining groups come under specialized connective tissue which are cartilage, bone and blood.

31) The 3 different classes of cartilage along with some locations of each are:

a. Hyaline cartilage- Bronchial tubes, nose and larynx

b. Fibrocartilage- Calli, intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis

c. Elastic cartilage- External ear and epiglottis

32) Articular cartilage belongs to the class of hyaline cartilage. It is found in the articular surfaces of bones. An example is knees.

33) Fibrocartilage is the strongest cartilage. The articular cartilage is best at resisting compressive forces.

34) Elastic cartlage can be most easily flexed.

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