Cartilage, Tendons, and Ligaments: Cell Types Composing the Tissue

Cartilage is a firm and flexible type of connective tissue consisting of cells and intracellular fibers in a gel-like material. It has a smooth and resilient surface and a weight-bearing capacity exceeded only by that of bone. It is composed of cells called chondroblasts and chondrocytes and extracellular matrix. The matrix is made up of aggrecan (10 percent), water (75 percent), and a mix of collagen fibers and other constituents.

There are three types of cartilage: elastic cartilage, hyaline cartilage, and fibrocartilage. They differ mostly in the type of fibers they contain. Elastic cartilage contains some elastin in its intercellular substance. It is found in most areas such as the ear, where some flexibility is required. Fibrocartilage has intermediate characteristics between hyaline cartilage and dense connective ...