Question

What is cartilage? Give two functions of it.

Answer 1

Hint: Cartilage is the part of the connective tissue, where it is usually, semi-rigid, and flexible and it is present in the almost all parts of the human body, and it is avascular, the parts where cartilage present are bones, nose, intervertebral disc, etc.

Complete answer:
- The functions of the cartilage are more structural and it plays a major role in the whole cycle of the humans.
- In the embryo, this cartilage provides the support and it is a precursor of bone.
- While in the embryo this cartilage remains either as cartilage only or it provides the substructure for endochondral ossification.
- Cartilage in the face allows the facial movement.
- Cartilage is lightweight and acts as a supportive structure in the external ear.
- While cartilage is present in the nose tips.
- It is also present as cushion-like material and it acts as a shock absorber in many joints.
- Whereas cartilage is present in the trachea, to prevent the collapse, while it is also present in the rib ends.
- Cartilage also plays a role in bone repair, and in embryo, it acts as a template for the ossification of bone.

Types of cartilage
> Hyaline cartilage: It is the most common type of cartilage found in the body, it is usually bluish-white and translucent.
> Fibrocartilage: It is very strong among all, and it is the most pliable connective tissue.
> Elastic cartilage: This cartilage shows, both flexibility and resilience and it consist of both collagen and elastin fibers

Note: Examples for the hyaline cartilage is Ribs, joints, nose, larynx, and the trachea. Whereas examples of fibrocartilage are tendons and ligaments, that meet at bones and pubic symphysis, while example for elastic cartilage includes external ear, eustachian tube, and epiglottis.