Ligaments are also composed of FCT and connect bone to bone at a joint. Cartilage has structural proteins deposited in the matrix between cells. Cartilage is the softer of the two. Cartilage forms the embryonic skeleton of vertebrates and the adult skeleton of sharks and rays. It also occurs in the human body in the ears, tip of the nose, and at joints.
Bone has calcium salts in the matrix, giving it greater strength.
Protein fibers provide elasticity while minerals provide elasticity. Two types of bone occur. Lacunae are commonly referred to as Haversian canals . Spongy bone occurs at the ends of bones and has bony bars and plates separated by irregular spaces. The solid portions of spongy bone pick up stress.