Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body. There are three main types of cartilage, each with distinct characteristics and functions:
1. Hyaline Cartilage: This is the most common type of cartilage, providing support with some flexibility. It has a glassy appearance and is found in:
1. Part of nasal septum and lateral wall of nose
2. Articular cartilage (at the ends of long bones)
3. Costal cartilage (connecting the ribs to the sternum)
4. Larynx cartilage (except epiglottis)
Epiphyseal plate (between epiphyses and diaphysis)
Incomplete ring in wall of trachea and bronchi (forming part of the respiratory tract)
2. Elastic Cartilage: This type is similar to hyaline cartilage but contains more elastic fibers, making it more flexible. It is found in:
The external ear (auricle)
The epiglottis (part of the larynx)
3. Fibrocartilage: This type has a dense arrangement of collagen fibers, providing strong support and withstanding heavy pressure. It is found in:
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Fibrocartilage examples |
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1. Disc of temporo-mandibular joint |
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2. Disc of sternoclavicular joint |
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3. Glenoid labrum of shoulder joint & Acetabular labrum of hip joint. |
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4. Medial & lateral menisci (cartilage pads) in the knee joint |
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5. location where tendons and ligaments attach to bone |
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6. Secondary cartilaginous joints / Fibrocartilage joint / Symphyses- • Manubriosternal joint (sternal angle) • Annulus fibrosis of intervertebral discs • Pubic symphysis (joining the two halves of the pelvis) |