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There are three types of cartilage
found in the body:
| Cartilage
Type |
Description |
Location |
Function |
| Hyaline |
Firm collagen
matrix |
Covers ends
of long bones, joins ribs to sternum, forms supportive rings
for trachea & bronchioles |
Reinforces ends
of long bones by offering cushioning and resisting compression |
| Elastic (Yellow) |
Elastic matrix |
Forms supportive
structure of external ear & epiglottis |
Gives shape to
structure yet retains flexibility |
| Fibrocartilage |
Softer matrix
than hyaline |
Intertebral
(spinal) discs, cartilage discs in knee joint |
Absorbs shockand
helps structures 'fit' together |
Generally, cartilage is different
from many other types of tissue in that it has a very poor blood
and nerve supply. This means that if damaged it takes a very long
time to repair itself, if at all!
However, repetitive loading of
the cartilage in a uniform manner, such as regular exercise with
good technique, causes tha cartilage to grow in strength.
Due
to the design of joins like the knee and spine that contain cartilage
discs, these joints must be loaded evenly and rapid twisting movements
should be avoided if cartilage is to remain undamaged.
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