Cartilage

Cartilage has a rubber-like extracellular matrix that is produced by chondrocytes that sit in lacunae (pockets) which give the cells of cartilage a unique look that can sometimes be easy to identify. However, you will need to be able to recognize the specific cartilage type.

Hyaline cartilage

Hyaline cartilage provides structure to our organs, like bone does, but has more flexibility and resiliency (bend without breaking) than bone does. Hyaline cartilage is found on the tip of our nose, around the tubes of our respiratory system, joining our ribs to our sternum (costal cartilage), and at the ends of our long bones to cushion our joints (articular cartilage). Hyaline cartilage has a chondrocytes in lacunae and the matrix between chondrocytes has special, soluble collagen fibers that give it a smooth, glassy appearance.

Table 1: Hyaline cartilage

Tissue Type Hyaline Cartilage
General Description Chondrocytes in lacunae separated by smooth, glassy extracellular matrix
Locations Trachea, nose, larynx, end of long bones, and cartilage that holds ribs to sternum
Functions Strong yet flexible, it provide support to joints and other body structures
Helpful Hints Look for the smooth extracellular matrix between the chondrocytes, looks like a stained glass window

Figure 1: Hyaline cartilage with and without illustration overlay

Check out our YouTube video to help you understand hyaline cartilage:

YouTube Video – Hyaline Cartilage

Elastic cartilage

Elastic cartilage provides structure with lots of flexibility and is located in the ears and epiglottis. In addition to the collagen matrix seen in hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage also has many darkly-staining elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix between the chondrocytes (in lacunae).

Table 2: Elastic cartilage

Tissue Types Elastic Cartilage
General Description Chondrocytes in lacunae separated by extracellular matrix with abundant elastic fibers
Locations Ears and epiglottis
Functions Supports body structures that need more bend to function
Helpful Hints Look for the elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix between the chondrocytes

Figure 2: Elastic cartilage with and without illustration overlay

Check out our YouTube video to help you understand elastic cartilage:

YouTube Video – Elastic Cartilage

Fibrocartilage

Fibrocartilage provides flexibility and strength against compression because it contains the form of collagen found in our tendons and ligaments. Fibrocartilage is located in the pubic symphysis (joint at the front of the pelvis), intervertebral discs (between vertebrae), and meniscus of the knee. Fibrocartilage looks like a combination of hyaline cartilage and dense regular connective tissue as you will see many wavy collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix between the chondrocytes.

Table 3: Fibrocartilage

Tissue Type Fibrocartilage
General Description Chondrocytes in lacunae separated by extracellular matrix with visible collagen fibers
Locations Pubic symphysis, meniscus of the knee, and intervertebral disc between vertebra
Functions Strongest of the cartilages, resists compression forces of certain joints
Helpful Hints Look for the collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix between the chondrocytes, chondrocytes are often found in rows 

Figure 3: Fibrocartilage with and without illustration overlay

Check out our YouTube video to help you understand fibrocartilage:

YouTube Video – Fibrocartilage

Chapter Illustrations By:

Soma Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D.

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Anatomy and Physiology I: An Interactive Histology Atlas Copyright © 2024 by Karen Wiles; Christina Wilson; Juan Manuel Ramiro-Diaz; Georgios Kallifatidis; and Soma Mukhopadhyay is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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