Structure, composition and Functions of Cartilage: Cartilage Anatomy & Physiology

Welcome to my channel. In this video I will teach you about the structure, Composition and functions of special connective tissue called Cartilage.
So lets talk about cartilage:
Cartilage is a non-vascular type of supporting connective tissue that is found throughout the body .

Cartilage is a connective tissue found in many areas of the body including:

Joints between bones e.g. the elbows, knees and ankles
Ends of the ribs
Between the vertebrae in the spine
Ears and nose
Bronchial tubes or airways

Cartilage Structure
Cartilage is a dense structure, that resembles a firm gel, made up of collagen and elastic fibres. It contains polysacchride derivaites called chondroitin sulfates which complex with protein in the ground substance forming proteoglycan. The matrix is produced by cells call chrondroblasts which form chrondocytes and can be found in small chambers called lacuna.

Due to the lack of blood vessels, cartilage grows and repairs more slowly than other tissues.

Cartilage type
Cartilage is categorized into three types which include:

Hyaline cartilage
This is a low-friction, wear-resistant tissue present within joints that is designed to bear and distribute weight. It is a strong, rubbery, flexible tissue but has a poor regenerative capacity.

Elastic cartilage
Elastic cartilage is more flexible that hyaline cartilage and is present in the ear, larynx and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage
Fibrocartilage is a tough and inflexible form of cartilage found in the knee and between vertebrae.

Articular cartilage
Articular cartilage is the hyaline cartilage that lies on the surface of bones.

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