Cartilage
Cartilage is found in various parts of the body. It is composed of chondrocytes, mucopolysaccharides, and fibers.
Hyaline cartilage is the most common cartilage in the body. It contains collagen fibers arranged in a loose network. This smooth cartilage is found on the joint surfaces of bones. Hyaline cartilage serves as a precursor to bone in the embryo.
Fibrocartilage is the least common type of cartilage. It is composed of dense bundles of collagen and elastic fibers. Fibrocartilage cushions bone-to-bone junctions, for example, the vertebral discs.
Elastic cartilage is composed of dense bundles of collagen and elastic fibers. The arrangement of the fibers is similar to a tendon giving the cartilage extreme flexibility. Elastic cartilage is found in structures such as the nose and outer ear.
References
Lockhart, R.D., G.F. Hamilton, et. al. 1974. Anatomy of The Human Body. Faber and Faber Limited. London. 697 pp.
Rahlman, J. & J.L. Smith. 1981. Ucla Kinesiology 14 Human Neuromuscular Anatomy. Academic Publishing Service. L A. 490 pp.
Van Amerongen, C. The Way Things Work; Book Of The Body. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1979.
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