Cartilage

 Cartilage consists of a few cells (chondrocytes) and various types and amounts of fibers embedded in a thick gelatinous intercellular substance - the matrix. Cartilage is firmer than dense connective tissue, but not as hard as bone. It contains no blood vessels. All nutrients and wastes must diffuse through the matrix between the chondrocytes and the blood vessels at the periphery of the cartilage.

The three types of cartilage are