Where in the body is hyaline cartilage tissue ?
Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant of the three types of cartilage. It is found in many locations in the body, including: • Bronchi; Bronchial Tubes; Costal Cartilages; Larynx (voice-box); Nose; Trachea • Covering the surface of bones at joints – especially in areas where damage due to wear may lead to osteoarthritis incl. e.g. the ends of the long bones, and also the anterior ends of the ribs. • Embryonic skeleton (i.e. in the fetus). 2.0 The Structure of hyaline cartilage tissue Hyaline cartilage consists of a bluish-white, shiny ground elastic material with a matrix of chondroitin sulphate into which many fine collagen fibrils are embedded. It contains numerous chondrocytes. See the diagrams of the structure of cartilage tissue. 3.0 The Functions of hyaline cartilage tissue Hyaline cartilage tissue provides smooth surfaces, enabling tissues to move/slide easily over each other, e.g. facilitating smooth movements at joints. It is also provides flexibility and support.
