Anatomy A215 Virtual Microscopy
Trachea
 
 

Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue. Its cells, called chondrocytes, reside in spaces called lacunae (singular: lacuna). Most surfaces of cartilage are covered by a thin fibrous layer or membrane, the perichondrium. There are three types of cartilage, each with a unique appearance.

 

This section of the TRACHEA demonstrates hyaline cartilage. The term hyaline refers to the glassy appearance of this type, whether seen grossly or, between the lacunae, on the microscopic level. The other two types of cartilage, elastic (which is named for its many darkly stained elastic fibers and distinct lacunae), and fibrocartilage (which is named for its bundles of fibers and may resemble dense regular connective tissue) are not found in the trachea.

 
 
Virtual Microscopy Table of Contents