Understanding Different Types of Cartilage
This guide offers an insight into the three main types of cartilage in the human body, their characteristics, locations, and functions.
Hyaline Cartilage
Description: The most common type, hyaline cartilage is tough, smooth, and bluish-white. It is found on bone ends in joints.
Function: Facilitates smooth joint movement by reducing friction, particularly in synovial and cartilaginous joints.
Elastic Cartilage
Description: Similar to hyaline but more flexible due to additional fibres, making it springy.
Location: Found in the ear, nose, and epiglottis, maintaining their shape.
Fibrocartilage
Description: The thickest and strongest type, limited in distribution.
Function: Acts as a shock absorber in areas like the knee's meniscus, adapting to high-impact activities.
Characteristics of Cartilage
Cartilage is known for its density, toughness, and ability to withstand compression. It has a limited blood supply, making it difficult to repair when injured and reliant on regular activity for its health.