Cartilage is a dense, clear blue white firm connective tissue (but less strong than bone). The cells of cartilage are known as chondrocytes. Each chondrocyte lies in a fluid space called lacuna present in a matrix of cartilage. The matrix of cartilage contains also collagen fibres. Blood vessels do not enter cartilage. There are three types of cartilage.

Hyaline cartilage is a strong yet flexible. It is found covering the ends of long bones, in the nose, larynx, and bronchial tubes.

Elastic cartilage is similar in structure to hyaline cartilage. It is also quite strong but has elasticity due to network of elastic fibres in addition of collagen fibres. It is found in epiglottis, pinna etc.

Fibrous cartilage is very tough and less flexible due to large number of thick collagen fibres present in knitted form. It is found in intervertebral discs.