Describe the three types of cartilage.

Explanation

Cartilage is a solid, but semi-rigid (flexible) connective tissue. Cartilage is of three types, which differ form each other chiefly in the composition of the matrix.
Cartilage is a solid, but semi-rigid (flexible) connective tissue. It resists compression. Matrix is firm, but some what pliable. It has collagen fibres, elastic fibres (only in the elastic cartilage) and matrixsecreting cells called chondroblasts. These cells are enclosed in fluid filled spaces called lacunae. Chondrocytes are the inactive cells of a cartilage. Cartilage is surrounded by a fibrous connective tissue sheath called perichondrium. Cartilage is of three types, which differ from each other chiefly in the composition of the matrix.
1. Hyaline cartilage: It is bluishi-white, translucent and glass-like cartilage. Matrix is homogeneous and shows delicate collagen fibres. It is the weakest and the most common type of all the cartilages. It is found in the walls of nose, larynx, trachea and bronchi.
2. Elastic carilage: It is yellowish due to elastic fibres. Matrix has abundance of yellow elastic fibres in addition to collagen fibres. It provides strength and elasticity. Perichondrium is present. It is found in the pinnae of the external ears, Eustachian tubes and epiglottis.
3. Fibrous cartilage : Matrix has bundles of collagen fibres. Perichondrium is absent. It is the strongest of all types of cartilages. It occurs in the Intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis of the pelvis.