Cartilage is a living tissue that occurs in three forms: hyaline cartilage, white fibrocartilage, and yellow or elastic cartilage.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common of the three, it appears as a bluish-white, translucent substance and is very flexible and somewhat elastic. In the early embryo, the skeleton is composed of this type of cartilage; but during fetal development, most of this embryonic skeleton is replaced by bone. However, in the adult, hyaline cartilage persists in the smooth, articular, surfaces of joints, in the costal cartilages, in the rings of the trachea and bronchi, and in the cartilage of the nose.

White Fibrocartilage

Exceptionally tough and resilient, it is found in pads or disks between the vertebrae where it provides a cushioning effect. It attaches tendons and ligaments to hyaline cartilage and is also found where limited movement occurs (for example, between the articular surfaces of the bones of the skull).

Yellow or Elastic Cartilage

More flexible and elastic than true hyaline cartilage, it occurs where movement of cartilaginous structures is necessary. An example of this is found in the epiglottis. Elastic cartilage is also found in the larynx, external ear, and eustachian tube.

Share This