Three types of cartilage

• Hyaline cartilage:

1. for bone formation
2. articular surface of joints, nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi
3. hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, keratin sulfate
4. high water content, perichondrium
5. Rheumatoid arthritis damages articular cartilage
6. Uric acid crystals in joints -> gout

• Elastic cartilage:

1. type II collagen, elastic fibers
2. external ears

• Fibrocartilage:

1. type I, II collagen
2. intervertebral disk, menisci of knee, attachment of tendons and ligaments
3. less water content, no perichondrium