What is Cartilage?
{{Infobox anatomy | Name = Cartilage | Pronunciation = | Synonyms = | Image = Hypertrophic Zone of Epiphyseal Plate.jpg | Caption = Light [[micrograph]] of undecalcified [[hyaline cartilage]] showing [[chondrocyte]]s and [[organelle]]s, [[Lacuna (histology)|lacunae]] and [[Extracellular matrix|matrix]]. | Width = | Image2 = | Caption2 = | Latin = | Greek = | Precursor = | System = | Artery = | Vein = | Nerve = | Lymph = }} '''Cartilage''' is a [[wikt:flexible|flexible]] [[connective tissue]] found in many parts of the body. It can bend a bit, but resists [[wikt:stretch|stretching]]. Its main function is to connect [[bone]]s together. It is also found in the [[joint]]s, the [[rib cage]], the [[ear]], the [[nose]], the [[throat]] and between the bones of the back. Another function of cartilage is to create a place on which bones can form when they are first developed. It also helps to protect the places where bones work against each other: the joints. In some fish like [[shark]]s ([[Chondrichthyes]]), cartilage forms the whole of the skeleton. Unlike other connective [[Tissue|tissues]], cartilage does not contain [[Blood vessel|blood vessels]]. The cells are supplied by [[diffusion]]. So, compared to other connective tissues, cartilage grows and repairs more slowly. Cartilage also does not contain [[Nerve|nerves]], making the hard tissue painless if damage is caused. However, the breaking of a cartilage often results in damage to [[Tendon|tendons]] and [[Muscle|muscles]], which causes [[pain]]. There are many diseases caused by defects in cartilage. One of the most common is [[osteoarthritis]], where the cartilage wears so thin that bone rubs against bone. Cartilage acts as a barrier, preventing the entry of [[lymphocyte]]s or diffusion of [[immunoglobulin]]s. This allows [[surgeon]]s to [[transplantation|transplant]] of cartilage from one person to another without fear of [[tissue rejection]]