What is Cartilage?
Cartilage is a precursor to bone. Cartilage is a connective tissue composed of cells (chondrocytes) and fibres embedded in a firm, gel like matrix which is rich in a mucopolysaccharide. It is much more elastic than bone.
General Features of Cartilage
1. It has no blood vessels or lymphatics. The nutrition of cells diffuses through the matrix.
2. It has no nerves. It is therefore, insensitive.
3. Cartilage is surrounded by a fibrous membrane, called Perichondrium.
4. When cartilage calcifies, the chondrocytes die and the cartilage is replaced by bone like tissue.
Comparison Between Bone and Cartilage
| BONE | CARTILAGE |
| It is hard | It is firm (soft) |
| Matrix has inflexible material called ossein | Matrix has flexible material called Chondroitin |
| Calcium salt are present in bone | Calcium salts are not present |
| It has rich nerve supply. it is vascular in nature | It doesn't have nerve supply. it is Avascular in nature. |
| Bone marrow is present | Bone marrow is absent |
| Growth is only by surface deposition | Growth is both by surface or within surface deposition |
Types of Cartilage
Three Types of Cartilage:
1. Hyaline Cartilage
2. Fibro Cartilage
3. Elastic Cartilage
1. Hyaline Cartilage: This type of cartilage has very thin fibers having same refractive index as the matrix of the cartilage and thus these fibers are not seen.
- Hyaline cartilage is the articular cartilage of the long bones, sternum, ribs etc.
- Its colour is bluish white and it is flexible.
2. Fibro Cartilage: This type of cartilage has numerous white fibers.
- It is present in the symphysis pubis, and sternoclavicular joint etc.
- Its colour is glistening white and the appearance is opaque.
- In the intervertebral disks, and in articular meniscs.
3. Elastic Cartilage: This type of cartilage has numerous yellow elastic fibers.
- It is present in the ear pinna, external auditory meatus, Eustachian tubes, and epiglottis etc.
- Its colour is yellowish and the appearance is opaque.
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