What is cartilage?

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It is called the cartilage. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a firm but flexible connective tissue.

Summary

It is called the cartilage. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a firm but flexible connective tissue.

What it is

  • A firm but flexible connective tissue.
  • Three main types: hyaline (in joint surfaces), fibrocartilage (in the intervertebral discs and menisci), and elastic (in the ear and epiglottis).
  • Cushions joints and gives shape to some structures.

Where it is

  • Covers the surfaces of bones inside joints.
  • Forms parts of the airway, ear, and nose.
  • Between the vertebrae as intervertebral discs.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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