Cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. It is composed of collagen fibers and/or elastin fibers, and can supply smooth surfaces for the movement of articulating bones. Cartilage is found in many places in the body including the joints, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes and the intervertebral discs. There are three main types of cartilage: elastic, hyaline, and fibrocartilage. Types of cartilage There are three different types of cartilage, each with special characteristics adapted to their function. Hyaline cartilage Hyaline cartilage has fibers scattered throughout its matrix, which looks glassy. Chondrocytes are found in the lacunae. Hyaline cartilage is found in the nose, thyroid and it connects the ribs to the sternum. It is also required in the endochondral development of bone. Elastic cartilage Elastic cartilage is similar to hyaline cartilage but contains elastic bund

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