what is cartilage, types of cartilage, funcation of cartilage.

 Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones at the joints. It is an essential part of the human skeletal system.

🧬 Types of Cartilage:

1. Hyaline Cartilage

   • Most common type

   • Found in: nose, trachea, larynx, ends of long bones (joints), ribs

   • Function: smooth surface for joint movement, flexibility, support

2. Elastic Cartilage

   • Contains more elastic fibers

   • Found in: ear (auricle), epiglottis

   • Function: maintains shape with flexibility

3. Fibrocartilage

• Strongest type, contains dense collagen fibers

• Found in: intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, menisci of knee

• Function: shock absorption, tensile strength

mri knee cartilage

🔬 Structure of Cartilage:

• Chondrocytes – specialized cells that produce and maintain the cartilaginous.

• Extracellular Matrix – made of collagen, proteoglycans, and elastin.

• No blood supply (avascular) – nutrients are diffused through the matrix.

🦴 Functions of Cartilage:

• Cushions joints and prevents bone friction

• Supports soft tissues

• Provides a framework for bone development (especially in growing children)

• Absorbs shock in weight-bearing joints

🧑‍⚕️ Clinical Relevance:

• Cartilage damage can lead to joint disorders like osteoarthritis.

• Cartilage doesn’t heal easily due to lack of blood supply.

• MRI is often used to assess cartilage integrity in joints.