rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycartilageFlexible connective tissue
noun

cartilage

KAR-tih-lij/ˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/

Firm, flexible tissue that supports and cushions parts of the body.

Smooth cartilage cushions the ends of bones in the joint.

A close anatomical cutaway of a healthy knee joint, emphasizing the smooth cartilage caps cushioning the opposing ends of the femur and tibia.
Etymology
cartilageLatingristle

Latin cartilago already meant gristle, the firm but flexible tissue now called cartilage. Its possible relationship to cratis, meaning wickerwork, is uncertain rather than an established explanation of the tissue's name.

In context

Siebert Science3:01
floating ribs further down that are obscured by the muscles right here now those ribs are going to be connected to the sternum via the costal cartilage so we have cartilage right through there
Thoracic Region Anatomy - Every Chest Cavity Structure Labeled!

More examples

  • The scan reveals damaged knee cartilage.
  • The tip of the nose contains flexible cartilage.
  • The skeleton includes several kinds of cartilage.

Forms

cartilage · cartilages

Similar words

bone
A harder mineralized supporting tissue.
ligament
A tough band connecting bones rather than cushioning their ends.