A derivative of connective tissue arising from the mesenchyme. Typical hyaline cartilage is a flexible, rather elastic material with a semi‐transparent glass‐like appearance. Its ground substance is a complex protein through which is distributed a large network of connective tissue fibers.
White, semi-opaque fibrous connective tissue; cushions and prevents wear on articular surfaces.
Specialized fibrous connective tissue that forms an embryo’s skeleton and much of an infant’s skeleton. As the child grows, the cartilage becomes bone. In adults, cartilage is present in and around joints and makes up the primary skeletal structure in some parts of the body, such as the ears and the tip of the nose.
A connective tissue characterized by nonvascularity and a firm texture, consisting of chondrocytes interstitial substance (matrix), and chondromucoid.
Thick connective tissue which lines and cushions the joints and which forms part of the structure of an organ. Cartilage in small children is the first stage in the formation of bones.
Tough, bendable connective tissue found in joints and at the ends of bones that prevents bones from rubbing together.
Tough supporting connective tissue serving to protect and connect body parts; and found chiefly in body tubes (e.g., trachea) and joints; in the embryo, the parts of the skeleton that develop into bone. Cartilage has no nerves or blood supply of its own.
A smooth, fibrous, and dense connective tissue that is an important component of the skeleton. It is not as hard as bone, but is composed of the same material, a structural protein called collagen. Cells in cartilage also secrete a gelatinous substance that gives cartilage some of its flexibility. Cartilage lacks its own blood supply, which is why it heals slowly when torn or damaged in a sports injury or trauma. Slower, wear-and-tear damage to cartilage in joints will also gradually repair itself.
A dense connective tissue composed of a matrix produced by cells called chondroblasts, which become embedded in, the matrix as chondrocytes. It is a semi-opaque gray or white substance, consisting chiefly of chondroitin sulfate, that is capable of withstanding considerable pressure. There are three types: hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage. In the fetus and infant cartilage occurs in many parts of the body, but most of this cartilage disappears during development. In the adult hyaline cartilage is found in the costal cartilages, larynx, trachea, bronchi, nose, and at the joints of movable bones. Elastic cartilage occurs in the external ear, and fibrocartilage in the intervertebral disks and tendons.
A hard but pliant substance forming parts of the skeleton for example, the cartilages of the ribs, of the larynx and of the ears. Microscopically, cartilage is found to consist of cells arranged in twos or in rows, and embedded in a ground-glasslike material devoid of blood vessels and nerves. The end of every long bone has a smooth layer of hyaline cartilage where it forms a joint with other bones (articular cartilage), and in young persons up to about the age of 16 there is a plate of cartilage (epiphyseal cartilage) running right across the bone about 12 mm (half an inch) from each end. The latter, by constantly thickening and changing into bone, causes an increase in length of the bone. In some situations there is found a combination of cartilage and fibrous tissue, as in the discs between the vertebrae of the spine. This fibro-cartilage combines the pliability of fibrous tissue with the elasticity of cartilage.
A specialized type of dense connective tissue consisting of cells embedded in a ground substance or matrix. The matrix is firm and compact and can withstand considerable pressure or tension. Cartilage is bluish-white or gray and is semiopaque; it has no nerve or blood supply of its own. The cells lie in cavities called lacunae. They may be single or in groups of two, three, or four.
The tough, resilient tissue that covers and cushions the ends of the bones and absorbs shock.
A tough supportive tissue that is softer and more flexible than bone.
A resilient and flexible connective tissue, known as cartilage, is present in various areas of the body such as the joints, outer ear, nose, larynx, and other anatomical structures.
Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that comprises varying amounts of collagen, a gel-like substance. Although not as rigid as bone, cartilage plays a crucial role as a structural component in various parts of the skeletal system, including the joints. In the fetal stage, a significant portion of the skeleton consists entirely of cartilage. As a child develops, the cartilage gradually undergoes a process called ossification, where it is transformed into bone.
Cartilage can be classified into three primary types: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage. Each type possesses a distinct collagen composition and serves a specific function.
Hyaline cartilage is a durable and smooth tissue that covers the surfaces of joints, such as the knee, serving as a nearly frictionless layer over the bony components of the joint. When the cartilage lining becomes worn or damaged, as seen in osteoarthritis, it can result in painful or significantly limited movement of the affected joint.
Fibrocartilage is characterized by a substantial amount of collagen, rendering it solid and robust. This type of cartilage is found in the intervertebral discs located between the bones of the spine, providing structural support. Additionally, fibrocartilage forms cushioning pads of tissue within joints, serving as shock absorbers.
Elastic cartilage is a flexible and resilient type of cartilage that has a soft and rubbery texture. It is predominantly present in structures like the outer ear and the epiglottis. The elastic nature of this cartilage allows for flexibility and bending without losing its shape, making it well-suited for these anatomical locations.
The cartilage or specialized connective tissue located in connection with bone tissue.