collagen
Cartilage: There are three cartilage types: 1. hyaline cartilage 2. fibrocartilage fibrous cartilage 3. elastic cartilage Hyaline cartilage: most widespread cartilage type, in adults forms articular surfaces of long bones, rib tips, rings of trachea, and parts of skull. Mostly collagen, name refers to glassy appearance. In embryo, bones form first as hyaline cartilage, later ossifies. Found in tracheal rings. Few collagen fibers. Fibrous cartilage: have lots of collagen fibers. Found in intervertebral discs, pubic symphesis. Grades into dense tendon and ligament tissue. Elastic cartilage: springy and elastic. Found in internal support of external ear and in epiglottis, yellow when fresh. Chondrocites cartilage cells rely on diffusion for nutrients, as cartilage has no direct blood supply, and no enervation nerves . Can be loaded with calcium salts.