Elastic Cartilage is strong but supply cartilage containing proteins called elastin and collagen embedded in ground substance. Elastin gives it a distinctive yellow color.
Elastin cartilage makes up the springy part of the outer ear, and
also forms the epiglottis (the flap of tissue in the front that prevents food from entering the airways).
Fibrocartilage contains large amounts of collagen, making it both resilient and able to with stand compression, it is found between
the bones of the spinal column, hips and pelvis
Hyaline cartilage is a tissue which contains collagen fibers. It forms the skeleton in the embryo and remains as a thin layer on the ends of bones which form joints. It also forms the end of the nose, and the stiff rings around the windpipe. It is on the ends of the ribs and supports the larynx.
Cartilage is a tough, semi transparent, elastic, flexible connective tissue consisting of cartilage cells (chondrocytes and chondroblasts) scattered through a lipoprotein material strengthen by collagen fibers. The exterior part of cartilage is covered by dense fibrous membrane called the perichondrium. There are no nerves or blood vessels in cartilage, and when damaged, it does not heal readily.
Cartilage has several functions. It covers the surface of joints, allowing bones to slide over one another, thus reducing friction and preventing damage; it also acts as a shock absorber. It forms part of the structure of the skeleton in the ribs, where it joins them to the breastbone (sternum). Cartilage is found in the tip of the nose, in the external ear, in the walls of the windpipe (trachea) and the voice box (larynx) where it provides support and shape. In an embryo, the skeleton is formed of cartilage which is gradually replaced by bone as the embryo grows.
Cartilage is known as elastic cartilage, fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage, depending on its different physical properties.
