Unlike bone, cartilage contains no blood vessels. Specialized cells, called chondrocytes, are distributed throughout the collagen gel matrix and obtain nutrition by diffusion through the gel. Mammals have three types of cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the type which makes up the embryonic skeleton, most of which will change into bone as the animal matures. In adult humans, it remains unchanged in some parts of the body, including the ends of bones in free-moving joints, at the ends of the ribs, and in the nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
Fibrocartilage is a very tough form that is found in the disks of the spinal column.
Elastic cartilage makes up the external ear, the auditory tube of the middle ear, and the epiglottis. All Rights Reserved . No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders.