Cartilage is a type of supporting connective tissue.
Depending upon the nature of the matrix, cartilage is of four types.
1. Hyaline cartilage: The hyaline cartilage is elastic and compressible in nature.
a. Perichondrium is present in this cartilage.
b. Its matrix is bluish white and gel like.
c. Very fine collage fibres and chondrocytes are present in this cartilage.
Function: It acts as a good shock absorber as well as provides flexibility. It reduces friction.
Location: It is found at the end of long bones, epiglottis, trachea, ribs, larynx and hyoid.
2. Elastic cartilage:
a. The perichondrium is present in elastic cartilage.
b. The matrix contains elastic fibres and chondrocytes are few in numbers.
Function: It gives support and maintains shape of the body part. Location: It is found in the ear lobe, tip of the nose, etc.
3. Fibrocartilage:
a. The fibrocartilage is the most rigid cartilage.
b. Perichondrium is absent in the fibrocartilage.
c. The matrix contains bundles of collagen fibres and few chondrocytes that are scattered in the fibres.
Function: It maintains position of vertebrae.
Location: Intervertebral discs are made up of fibrocartilage. It is also found at the pubic symphysis.
4. Calcified cartilage: This type of cartilage becomes rigid due to deposition of salts in the matrix, reducing the flexibility of joints in old age. e.g. Head of long bones.
