Cartilage and bone are specialized connective tissues that provide support to other tissues and organs. Cartilage occurs where flexibility is required, while bone resists deformation.
Cartilage is composed of cells, fibers, and a highly-hydrated ground substance. The fibers provide tensile strength, while proteoglycans in the ground substance make cartilage resilient by trapping water.
Three types of cartilage are recognized based on differences in fiber composition:
Cartilage is avascular and its cells rely on diffusion for nutrients. Because of this, damaged cartilage heals poorly after injury.
Hyaline cartilage contains type II collagen fibers and a highly-hydrated ground substance. It is the most common cartilage and is found on articular surfaces of bone, walls of the respiratory system (trachea and bronchi), and epiphyseal plates.