Where is cartilage found in the body, and what properties does it possess? What role does cartilage play in vertebrate embryos? Describe the matrix in which cartilage cells are found.
Cartilage, which forms parts of the nose and ears as well as the larynx, trachea, end of ribs, inter vertebral discs, and surfaces of skeletal joints, is flexible and somewhat elastic yet very strong. In vertebrate embryos, the early skeleton is formed of cartilage which is usually replaced by bone in most species. Cartilage is a specialized form of dense connective tissue with a rather rubbery intercellular matrix. Like dense connective tissue, cartilage has a relatively small quantity of connective tissue cells.
