Elastin is non fibrous proteins, such as proteoglycans, other organic molecules, and water. Proteoglycans within the cartilage absorb vast amounts of water. This allows cartilage to be flexible while collagen gives it strength. The three types of cartilage are hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage. Hyaline cartilage has an abundant amount of both collagen and proteoglycan while fibrocartilage has more collagen than proteoglycan.
Elastic cartilage has elastin, collagen, and proteoglycan.
Chondrocyte transplantation is being explored as a possible means of treatment for damaged or defective hyaline articular cartilage. Hyaline articular cartilage is found between bones in synovial joints. Two methods of chondrocyte transplantation have been attempted. They are then transplanted to the needed site. The other method involves transplanting living chondrocytes and their surrounding matrix from one person to another.