Question

Give the cartilage found in the epiglottis, nose tip, external ear, and vertebrae.

Answer 1

A cartilage is a connective tissue that is commonly found in many parts of the body such as joints between bones. It forms a coating that surfaces our joints and provides cushioning of bones against an impact.

Complete answer: Cartilage forms the structural component of the body. It is firm and is usually more flexible than a bone. They are made up of collagen and chondrocytes. Cartilage is more flexible than muscle but is less rigid than bones. There are different types of cartilages- hyaline, elastic, etc. It forms the skeleton of primitive vertebrates such as sharks and lampreys. It forms rubber-like padding that covers the joints and prevents them from damage. The elastic cartilage helps in making epiglottis and is covered by a mucous membrane that is attached to the entrance of the larynx. The epiglottis is a leaf-like lamina of elastic cartilage and it is placed behind the tongue. It helps in closing the opening of the larynx during swallowing. The elastic cartilage is also present in the pinna of the external ear. The hyaline cartilage is present in the nose tip. The intervertebral disc contains fibrocartilage.

Note: The cartilage is a smooth and resilient elastic tissue that covers and protects the joints and nerves and forms the structural component of the rib cage, nose, external ear, bronchial tubes, intervertebral discs, and many other parts of the body.