Osmosis video - Cartilage structure and growth

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is found in the body. It has a smooth, rubbery texture made of chondrocytes embedded in the extracellular matrix, all of which are enveloped by a connective tissue known as the perichondrium. Cartilage is found in different body parts, such as joints, the external ear, and the nose. It helps to support and protect the body's joints and assists with growth. Cartilage major function is to provide structural support to the parts where it's found. The cartilage grows in two major distinct patterns: Appositional and interstitial growth patterns. Appositional cartilage growth occurs when cartilage cells grow from the perichondrium. On the other hand, if the cartilage cells grow from the chondrocytes within the cartilage, it is called interstitial growth.