01 / Location & anatomical relationships
At many joint surfaces and in structures such as the nose and outer ear.
02 / Structure & organization
Chondrocytes maintain an extracellular matrix rich in water and structural molecules. Hyaline, elastic and fibrocartilage have different fiber compositions. Cartilage generally lacks its own blood vessels, relying on diffusion for nutrition.
03 / Function
It cushions many joints and gives shape to parts such as your nose.
04 / Mechanism
Cartilage cells maintain a firm, water-rich supporting material. Its smooth joint surfaces spread pressure and reduce friction. Elsewhere it forms a flexible framework that bends more easily than bone.
Working together: skeletal system
Bones provide a framework. Muscles pull on them through tendons, and joints allow movement.
Meet this body system →FOR DEEPER STUDY
Connect structure with function
Articular cartilage provides low-friction load distribution. Its limited vascularity contributes to restricted repair capacity compared with many better-perfused tissues.
Check your understanding
Locate the cartilage in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.