About Cartilage

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There are three types of cartilage: hyaline, fibrous, and elastic cartilage, which function to distribute forces and reduce friction during joint movement, as well as provide structure to anatomical features like the nose, ears, and trachea or airway.

Cartilage is present in all joints, such as the knee, hip, and jaw (temporomandibular joint; TMJ), as well as the spine, nose, ears, and ribs. Some examples include the meniscus, the TMJ disc complex, and costal (rib) cartilage. 

Cartilage can wear down due to chronic overuse or “wear and tear,” which can then lead to breaks or tears. However, most tears or breaks in cartilage come from acute injuries, such as sports-related injuries or motor vehicle accidents. 

Bones form the main structure of the body and are mainly made up of minerals and collagen. They contain nerves and blood vessels and readily heal in healthy people. Cartilage is mainly made up of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and is present in all joints where it functions to distribute forces and reduce friction during movement. Cartilage also provides structure to different parts of the body, like the ear and nose. Cartilage does not contain a blood supply, contains fewer cells than bone, and does not contain nerves. Also, unlike bone, once damaged, cartilage does not heal. To read more, click here.