by admin on Saturday, March 13, 2010 17:58 under Interesting Facts.
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- Cartilage is a rubbery substance used in various places around the body. You can feel cartilage in your ear if you move it back and forward.
- Cartilage is made from cells called chondrocytes embedded in a jelly-like ground substance with fibres of collagen, all wrapped in an envelope of tough fibres.
- There are three types: hyaline, fibrous and elastic.
- Hyaline cartilage is the most widespread in your body. It is almost clear, pearly white and quite stiff.
- Hyaline cartilage is used in many of the joints and ribs between bones to cushion them against impacts.
- Fibrous cartilage is really tough cartilage used in between the bones of the spine and in the knee.
- Cartilage in the knee makes two dish shapes called a menisci between the thigh and shin bones. Footballers often damage these cartilages.
- Elastic cartilage is very flexible and used in your airways, nose and ears.
- Cartilage grows quicker than bone, and the skeletons of babies in the womb are mostly cartilage, which gradually ossifies (hardens to bone).
- Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage breaks down, making certain movements painful.
