Hyaline Cartilage
Hyaline cartilage is a translucent type of cartilage that can be found in various parts of the body including the ribs, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. It also plays a crucial role as articular cartilage on the ends of bones, forming synovial joints. The primary components of hyaline cartilage are Type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate. Interestingly, these components are also present in elastic cartilage, which gives hyaline and elastic cartilage some histological similarities. In fact, hyaline cartilage is the most common and widespread type of cartilage in the human body.
What is Articular Cartilage?
Articular cartilage refers to the specialized tissue that covers the articular surface of a bone within a synovial joint. Its primary function is to provide a smooth and low friction environment for the joint to move. This cartilage also acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the joint during movement.
The thickness of articular cartilage varies depending on the amount of stress it receives. Areas that experience higher levels of stress, such as the kneecap or patella, tend to have thicker articular cartilage.