Cartilage
What is cartilage?
Answer.
The cartilage is a specialized connective tissue, with a rubbery matrix (gel-like matrix) due to the deposition of proteoglycans which provides firmness along with elasticity to the skeletal framework of the body. Phylogenetically, it is older than the bone tissue.
- It is made up of a dense network of collagen or elastic fibres, which provide tensile strength to it.
- Its fibres are embedded in a firm, jelly-like amorphous substance made up of mucopolysaccharides, which allows the cartilage to bear weight without bending.
- It is firm in consistency and has elasticity.
- It is an avascular tissue. The invasion of cartilage by blood vessels results in its calcification and death.
- It has no lymphatics.
- It is well adapted to coat the articular ends of the bone.
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