Cartilage

Cartilage

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:25 PM IST

What Is Cartilage?

A flexible, semifirm connective tissue inhabiting different parts of the body, cartilage serves to support, cushion, and act as a shock absorber in articulations. Cartilage is part of several anatomical structures.

Types Of Cartilage

There are three general types of cartilage, each with particular features and functions.

Hyaline Cartilage

It is the most common type of cartilage in the body and is recognised by the smooth, glassy appearance it bears.

Description And Characteristics

  • Translucent and glassy texture.

  • Fine collagen fibres in composition.

  • Provide a smooth surface for joints to move on.

Locations In The Body

  • Nasal septum

  • Trachea

  • Larynx

  • Articular surfaces of bones (joints)

Functions And Importance

  • Reduce friction in joints

  • Support and reinforcement of structure

  • Provides for a template of bone growth during the development

Elastic Cartilage

Elastic cartilage is adaptable and resilient due to the abundance of elastic fibres.

Description And Features

  • Yellowish colour due to elastic fibres.

  • Very resilient and flexible.

  • Both collagen and elastic fibres are present.

Location In The Body

  • External ear (auricle)

  • Epiglottis (part of the larynx)

Functions And Significance

  • Provides flexible support to structures

  • Maintains shape but allows for movement

  • Protects the airway during deglutition

Fibrocartilage

Fibrocartilage is the most resilient type of cartilage and thus offers tensile strength and durability.

Description And Features

  • Dense, fibrous texture

  • Contains thick bundles of collagen fibers

  • Resists compression and absorbs shock

Locations In The Body

  • Intervertebral discs (between vertebrae)

  • Menisci (knee joints)

  • Pubic symphysis (joining the pelvic bones)

Functions And Significance

  • Absorbs shock and reduces friction.

  • Supports the weight of the body against gravity in the vertebral column and lower limb bones.

Structure Of Cartilage

Cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix that is dense and possesses elastic and viscoelastic properties.

Cell Types In Cartilage

There are several cell types in cartilage

  • Very immature cells of the cartilage produce the extracellular matrix

  • Cells undergo continuous division and synthesis of the matrix components

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Chondrocytes

  • Mature cartilage cells are embedded in the matrix.

  • Maintenances of the cartilage matrix and controls of matrix composition.

Chondroclasts

  • Cells responsible for the resorption of cartilage

  • Assists in remodelling of cartilage during growth and repair

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The extracellular matrix forms an important component of the cartilage. In cartilages, it provides support to the structure by rendering it elasticity.

Structure

  • Collagen fibres: tensile strength

  • Proteoglycans: attract and hold large amounts of water, thus aiding in shock absorption.

  • Water: Contributes elasticity and spring to the matrix

ECM In Cartilage Function

  • Gives structure to cartilage and resists compression

  • Gives elasticity, thus allowing for smooth movement at joints

  • Allows for the exchange of nutrients and wastes through its gel nature

  • Cartilage development and growth occur via a series of specific biological steps.

Formation And Growth Of Cartilage

Cartilage develops and grows through specific biological processes.

Chondrogenesis

Chondrogenesis is the process by which cartilage forms during development.

Cartilage Formation During Embryonic Development

  • Mesenchymal cells undergo differentiation to become chondroblasts

  • Chondroblasts produce extracellular matrix and differentiate into chondrocytes

  • A cartilage model is formed that matures into cartilage

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

  • Come to differentiate into chondroblasts during embryonic development

  • Supply a source for repair or regeneration of cartilage

Mechanisms Of Growth

Cartilage increases in mass through growth and expands via specific mechanisms.

Appositional Growth

  • Occurs at the surface of existing cartilage

  • Chondroblasts in the perichondrium produce new cartilage matrix

  • Increases in thickness

Interstitial Growth

  • Takes place within the cartilage tissue.

  • Chondrocytes divide and produce matrix and expand cartilage from within.

  • Helps to increase the length of cartilage during development.

Functions And Role Of Cartilage

Cartilage performs many essential functions in the body.

Support And Structure

  • Maintains the shape and structure of many body parts.

  • Provides structural support for flexible areas such as the ear and nose.

Protection And Mobility Of Joints

  • Cushions joints and reduces friction at joint surfaces as a result of movement.

  • Allows for smooth and efficient movement between joint surfaces.

Growth And Development

  • Part of the growth plates of long bones.

  • Provides support for bone growth and elongation during development.

Cartilage Damage And Disorders

Cartilage is susceptible to disorders and injuries.

Common Disorders Of Cartilage

Various conditions are capable of causing damage to cartilage and affecting its normal function.

Osteoarthritis

  • Degenerative joint disease is characterised by the wearing down of cartilage.

  • Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • An autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and hence damage to the cartilage.

  • Causes pain in the joints, swelling and finally deformity of joints.

Chondromalacia

  • Softening up and thus cartilage damage typically affects the knee.

  • Cause pain and discomfort mainly on movement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary function of cartilage in the human body?

The structure, protection of the joints, and to provide smooth movement

2. Name the three types of cartilage and their locations.

Hyaline cartilage in the nose, trachea, and joints; elastic cartilage in the ear and epiglottis; fibrocartilage in intervertebral discs and menisci.

3. How does cartilage differ from bone?

It is more flexible and less dense than bone, avascular and a neurogenic, while the bone is rigid and well vascularised.

4. How does cartilage differ from bone?
Cartilage and bone are both connective tissues, but they differ in several ways. Cartilage is flexible and rubbery, while bone is rigid and hard. Cartilage has no blood vessels (avascular) and limited ability to repair itself, whereas bone is vascular and can regenerate. Cartilage contains chondrocytes in a matrix, while bone has osteocytes in a calcified matrix.
5. What are common disorders that affect cartilage?

Common disorders are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chondromalacia.

6. Is cartilage able to heal itself after injury?

It has a limited capacity to heal naturally and often requires medical intervention to heal significant injuries.

7. Why doesn't cartilage heal as well as other tissues?
Cartilage doesn't heal well because it lacks blood vessels (avascular), which limits the supply of nutrients and oxygen. It also has a low cell density and limited cell division capacity. These factors combined make it difficult for cartilage to repair itself after injury, unlike other tissues with better blood supply and regenerative abilities.
8. How does aging affect cartilage?
Aging affects cartilage in several ways:
9. How does cartilage respond to mechanical stress?
Cartilage responds to mechanical stress in several ways:
10. How does cartilage contribute to our ability to breathe?
Cartilage contributes to breathing by:
11. What is the role of cartilage in joint lubrication?
Cartilage plays a crucial role in joint lubrication by:
12. How does cartilage grow?
Cartilage grows in two ways:
13. What is chondrification?
Chondrification is the process of cartilage formation. It involves:
14. What is the function of growth plate (epiphyseal) cartilage?
Growth plate cartilage, also known as epiphyseal cartilage, serves several important functions:
15. What is the role of cartilage in the skeletal system of sharks and rays?
In sharks and rays (elasmobranchs), cartilage plays a unique role:
16. How does cartilage contribute to the shape and function of the nose?
Cartilage is essential for the nose's shape and function:
17. What is cartilage and why is it important in the body?
Cartilage is a flexible, supportive connective tissue found in various parts of the body. It's important because it provides structural support, cushioning, and smooth surfaces for joint movement. Cartilage is crucial for skeletal development, shock absorption, and maintaining the shape of certain structures like the nose and ears.
18. What is the perichondrium and what is its role?
The perichondrium is a layer of dense connective tissue that surrounds most cartilage, except for articular cartilage. Its roles include:
19. What is the role of cartilage in embryonic development?
Cartilage plays a crucial role in embryonic development by:
20. What is articular cartilage and why is it important?
Articular cartilage is a specialized type of hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones in synovial joints. It's important because it:
21. How do chondrocytes function in cartilage?
Chondrocytes are the only cells found in cartilage. They function by:
22. What is the extracellular matrix of cartilage composed of?
The extracellular matrix of cartilage is composed of:
23. What is the significance of the tidemark in articular cartilage?
The tidemark is a visible line in articular cartilage that separates the non-calcified upper layer from the calcified lower layer. Its significance includes:
24. How does cartilage differ in its properties across different parts of the body?
Cartilage properties vary across the body to suit different functions:
25. How do proteoglycans contribute to cartilage function?
Proteoglycans are crucial for cartilage function because they:
26. What are the three main types of cartilage in the human body?
The three main types of cartilage in the human body are:
27. What is the significance of the intervertebral discs?
Intervertebral discs, composed of fibrocartilage, are significant because they:
28. How does the composition of cartilage affect its biomechanical properties?
The composition of cartilage directly influences its biomechanical properties:
29. What is the role of cartilage in the development of the vertebrate skull?
Cartilage plays crucial roles in vertebrate skull development:
30. How does cartilage contribute to the structure and function of the ear?
Cartilage contributes to ear structure and function in several ways:
31. How does the structure of elastic cartilage differ from hyaline cartilage?
Elastic cartilage differs from hyaline cartilage in several ways:
32. How does cartilage in the larynx contribute to voice production?
Cartilage in the larynx is crucial for voice production:
33. What is the role of cartilage in the development of long bones?
Cartilage plays a vital role in long bone development:
34. What is the function of costal cartilage?
Costal cartilage serves several important functions:
35. How does cartilage contribute to the immune privilege of joints?
Cartilage contributes to the immune privilege of joints in several ways:
36. What is the significance of the pericellular matrix in cartilage?
The pericellular matrix, or chondron, is significant because:
37. How does cartilage repair differ from bone repair?
Cartilage repair differs significantly from bone repair:
38. How does the structure of fibrocartilage adapt it to its function?
The structure of fibrocartilage is adapted to its function in several ways:
39. What is the significance of the superficial zone in articular cartilage?
The superficial zone of articular cartilage is significant because:
40. What is the role of cartilage in synovial joint function?
Cartilage plays several crucial roles in synovial joint function:

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