Cartilage

Cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. Cartilage is composed of cells called chondrocytes which are dispersed in a firm gel-like ground substance, called the matrix. Cartilage contains no blood vessels and nutrients are diffused through the matrix. Cartilage is found in the joints, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, in the throat and between intervertebral disks. There are three main types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage.

Types of cartilage

There are three different types of cartilage, each with special characteristics adapted to local needs.

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Hyaline cartilage

This is the most abundant type of cartilage. The name hyaline is derived from the greek word hyalos, meaning glass. This refers to the translucent matrix or ground substance. Hyaline cartilage is found lining bones in joints (articular cartilage) . It is also present inside bones, serving as a center of ossification or bone growth.

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Elastic cartilage

Elastic cartilage (also called yellow cartilage) is found in the pinna of the ear and several tubes, such as the walls of the auditory and eustachian canals and larynx. Cartilage is present to keep the tubes permanently open. Elastic cartilage is similar to hyaline cartilage but contains elastic bundles (elastin) scattered throughout the matrix. This provides a tissue which is stiff yet elastic.

Related Topics:
Pinna - Eustachian - Larynx - Elastin

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Fibrocartilage

Fibrocartilage (also called white cartilage) is a specialised type of cartilage found in areas requiring tough support or great tensile strength, such as between intervertebral disks, the pubic and other symphyses, and at sites connecting tendons or ligaments to bones. There is rarely any clear line of demarcation between fibrocartilage and the neighboring hyaline cartilage or connective tissue. The fibrocartilage found in intervertebral disks contains more collagen compared to hyaline. Fibrocartilage lacks a perichondrium.

Related Topics:
Pubic - Symphyses - Tendons - Ligaments - Bone

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