ABSTRACT
Hyaline cartilage is found in the nasal septum, sternum, trachea, larynx, and on the articulating surfaces of long bones, where it is referred to as articular cartilage. Articular cartilage distributes loads and functions as a bearing surface in joints such as the hip and knee. The ECM of hyaline cartilage is composed primarily of collagen type II and is rich in proteoglycans. Elastic cartilage is present in the epiglottis, external ear, and larynx. The ECM of elastic cartilage contains elastin and collagen type II with less proteoglycan than hyaline cartilage. Fibrocartilage is found in the intervertebral disc, the meniscus of the knee, and at the insertion of ligaments and tendons. The ECM of ¦brocartilage is composed primarily of collagen type I.
