Cartilage
Definition
Is a connective tissue
The cells are called chondrocytes
cells embedded in a matrix of collagen and elastic fibres
Types
Hyaline cartilage
Fibrocartilage
Elastic fibrocartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Bluish white tissue
Chondrocytes found in small groups
Hyaline cartilage found in the joints, ribs, larynx, trachea, bronchi
Fibrocartilage
Chondrocytes in a matrix of dense masses of white fibres
It is tough and slightly flexible
fibrocartilage found in intervertebral discs, menisci of knee joint, labrum of hip joint and shoulder joint, ligaments joining bones
Elastic cartilage
The cells lie in a matrix of elastic fibres
Elastic cartilage found in pinna of the ear, epiglottis, tunica media of vessels
