Give a brief account of cartilage.

Cartilage is compact with widely spaced cells. Its solid matrix is composed of proteins and sugars. The cells of cartilage are called chondrocytes. They don’t have blood vessels.

Cartilage is present in the tip of nose, outer ear joints, between adjacent bones of the vertebral column, limbs and hands in adults. Cartilage smoothens bone surfaces at joints. It provides support and flexibility to the body parts.