# What is cartilage?

It is called the cartilage. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a firm but flexible connective tissue.

## What it means

- A firm but flexible connective tissue.
- Three main types: hyaline (in joint surfaces), fibrocartilage (in the intervertebral discs and menisci), and elastic (in the ear and epiglottis).
- Cushions joints and gives shape to some structures.

## Action steps

1. Covers the surfaces of bones inside joints.
2. Forms parts of the airway, ear, and nose.
3. Between the vertebrae as intervertebral discs.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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