Cartilage

A cartilage is an anatomical structure composed of cartilaginous tissue that may be considered either an organ or a component of an organ. In the adult human body, cartilages are found in the skeletal system, respiratory system, and the ear. The majority of these cartilages are composed of hyaline cartilage, but some, such as the cartilages of the ear and epiglottis, are composed of elastic cartilage.

Other Names

Related terms

• Cartilaginous tissue
• Hyaline cartilage
• Elastic cartilage

Types

Cartilages of the Skeletal System

• Costal cartilages

Cartilages of the Respiratory System

• Nasal cartilages
  • Major alar cartilages
  • Minor alar cartilages
  • Accessory nasal cartilages
  • Septal nasal cartilages
  • Vomeronasal cartilage
• Laryngeal cartilages
  • Thyroid cartilage
  • Cricoid cartilage
  • Cricothyroid cartilage
  • Arytenoid cartilage
  • Corniculate cartilage
  • Cuneiform cartilage
  • Epiglottic cartilage
• Tracheal cartilages
• Bronchial cartilages

Cartilages of the Ear

• Auricular cartilage
• Cartilage of external acoustic meatus
• Cartilage of pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube of Eustachius

Description

Cartilages are composed of cartilaginous tissue and are enclosed in perichondrium. Some cartilages are composed of hyaline cartilage, the rest are composed of elastic cartilage. Cartilaginous tissue is a specialized connective tissue characterized by firm consistency and a lack of blood vessels within the tissue.

Role of Cartilages in the Body

Cartilages, like many other structures made of connective tissue, support and protect body parts. The costal cartilages form part of the thoracic skeleton. Cartilages of the conducting part of the respiratory system maintain the shape of the airway, ensuring that it remains open. Cartilages of the external ear similarly keep the external acoustic meatus open so that sound waves may reach the tympanic membrane unimpeded.