Reported By: Danica Perante

 is a connective tissue consisting of a dense matrix of

collagen fibers and elastic fibers embedded in a
rubbery ground substance. The matrix is produced by
cells called chondroblasts, which become embedded in
the matrix as chondrocytes.
 mature cartilage cells are called chondrocytes.
They occur, either singly or in groups, within spaces
called lacunae. (sing.lacuna) in the matrix.
 The surface of most of the cartilage in the body is
surrounded by a membrane of dense irregular
connective issue called perichondrium.
This is important to remember especially because
(unlike other connective tissues), cartilage contains no
blood vessels or nerves-except in the perichondrium.
There are 3 types of cartilage that have different
structures and functions.
 is the most abundant of the three types of cartilage.
It is found in many locations in the body, including;
• Bronchi: Bronchial Tubes; Costal Cartilages; Larynx (voice
box); Nose; Trachea
- Covering the surface of bones at joints especially in areas
where damage due to wear may lead to osteoarthritis incl.the
ends of the long bones, and also the anterior ends of the ribs.
Embryonic Skeleton (i.e in the fetus)
 STRUCTURE:
Hyaline Cartilage consists of a bluish-white, shiny ground elastic
material with a matrix of chondroitin sulphate into which many
fine collagen fibrils are embedded. It contains numerous
chondrocytes.
 FUNCTIONS:
 Hyaline Cartilage tissue provides smooth surfaces, enabling
tissues to move/slide easily over each other e.g. facilitating
smooth movements at joints. It is also provides flexibility and
support.
 Elastic Cartilage or Yellow Cartilage is a type of
cartilage present in the outer ear, Eustachian tube and
epiglottis. It contains elastic fiber networks and collagen
type II fibers. The principal protein is elastin.
the cells are closer together creating less intercellular
space.
It is found in Auditory (Eustachian) Tubes; External Ear
(Auricle); Epiglottis (the lid on the top of the larynx)
 STRUCTURE:
 In elastic cartilage which is yellowish in colour, the cartilage
cells (chondrocytes) are located in a threadlike network of
elastic fibers within the matrix of the cartilage. A perichondrium
is present.
 FUNCTIONS:
 Elastic Cartilage provides support to surrounding structures and
helps the define and maintain the shape of the area in which it
is present, e.g. the external ear.
 White fibrocartilage consists of a mixture of white
fibrous tissue and cartilaginous tissue in various
proportions. It owes its flexibility and toughness to the
former of these constituents, and its elasticity to the
latter. It is the only type of cartilage that contains type
I collagen in addition to the normal type II.
 cartilage that contains fibrous bundles of collagen,
such as that of the intervertebral disks in the spinal
cord.
 found in;
• Calli (sing. Callus) which is the tissue formed between the ends
of the bone at the site of a healing fracture (blood clot 
granulation tissue  cartilage  bone).
• Invertebral discs (i.e, the discs between the vertebrae of the
spine);
• Menisci (cartilage pads) of the knee joint
• Pubic symphysis which is the position at which the hip bones join
at the front of the body.
• Also in the portions of the tendons that insert into the cartilage
tissue, especially at joints.
 STRUCTURES:
 Fibrocartilage is a tough form of cartilage that consists of
chondrocytes scattered among clearly visible dense bundles of
collagen fibers within the matrix. Fibrocartilage lacks a
perichondrium.
 FUNCTIONS:
 Fibrocartilage tissue provides support and rigidity to
attached/surrounding structures and is the strongest of the three
types of cartilage.