Anatomy
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What is Cartilage?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue in the body. It is made of cells called chondrocytes embedded in a matrix, strengthened with fibers of collagen and sometimes elastin, depending on the type. There are three different types: hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage. This tissue serves to provide structure and support to the body's other tissues without being as hard or rigid as bone. It can also provide a cushioning effect in joints.

This type of tissue is avascular, meaning that it is not supplied by blood vessels; instead, nutrients diffuse through the matrix. Cartilage is usually flexible, again depending on the type. Some of the bodily structures that include it are the ears, nose, ribcage, and intervertebral discs.

Hyaline cartilage makes up the majority of that found in the human body. It lines the bones in joints, helping them to articulate smoothly. This type contains mostly type II collagen fibers.

Elbow joint with cartilage shown in light-violet.
Elbow joint with cartilage shown in light-violet.

Elastic cartilage is more flexible than the other types because of the elastin fibers it contains. It is found in the outer ear, the larynx, and the Eustachian tubes, for example. This type provides the perfect balance of structure and flexibility and helps keep tubular structures open.

Fibrocartilage is the strongest and most rigid type of cartilage. It contains more collagen than hyaline, including more type I collagen, which is tougher than type II. Fibrocartilage makes up the intervertebral discs, connects tendons and ligaments to bones, and appears in other high-stress areas. Damaged hyaline cartilage is often replaced with fibrocartilage, which unfortunately does not bear weight as well due to its rigidity.

Hyaline cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum.
Hyaline cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum.

There are a few disorders associated with cartilage. Chondrodystrophies are a group of disorders in which it is ossified, or transformed into bone. Arthritis is characterized by the degradation of cartilage in the joints, leading to limited movement and pain. Achondroplasia is a disorder resulting in dwarfism. Benign tumors called chondroma can also arise in this tissue.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a TheHealthBoard editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a TheHealthBoard editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon266298

Which foods contain Glucosamine?

anon244604

The hyaline cartilage has pericondium and other types don't. Of what importance is this pericondium and why is it only found on hyaline cartilage?

anon160470

What is cartilage's main importance?

anon117139

what is the name of the cell type that makes cartilage?

anon101413

is cartilage soft and can it be squeezed like in your nose and make your nose smaller?

anon49987

What are the major causes of cartilage injuries?

anon47442

where does the name come from?

anon43567

how does cartilage get nourishment?

anon43452

My head has a two-inch lump on it. Is this dangerous?

anon38989

what can be done for torn cartilage?

anon36645

Can you do a cartilage transplant?

Or can the collagen that is found in the different types of cartilage be found naturally anywhere else?

Would there be any hope for replacing, I think Hyaline cartilage from one part of the body to the other, like putting it in the knees, so people could run more.

bena

What does Cartilage form?

anon24955

what does cartilage look like?

anon21314

My third rib on the left hand side has decided to grow more cartilage so there is now a lump under my skin, why would this happen?

bigmetal

can the body grow more cartilage, or repair damaged cartilage?

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    • Elbow joint with cartilage shown in light-violet.
      By: Alila
      Elbow joint with cartilage shown in light-violet.
    • Hyaline cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum.
      By: Jaeeho
      Hyaline cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum.
    • Elastic cartilage is found in the larynx.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Elastic cartilage is found in the larynx.
    • The outer ear contains elastic cartilage.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      The outer ear contains elastic cartilage.
    • Achondroplasia is a disorder associated with cartilage that typically results in dwarfism.
      By: Nolte Lourens
      Achondroplasia is a disorder associated with cartilage that typically results in dwarfism.