Connective Tissue - Cartilage

Video 14 of 28
2 min 47 sec
English
English

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.

For more information on the role and importance of cartilage in the human body, consider consulting a healthcare professional or anatomist.