- Cartilage is a resilient tissue found in many areas of the skeleton that provides support and flexibility. There are three main types: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. - Cartilage grows through two processes: appositional growth where new matrix is added to the surface, and interstitial growth where chondrocytes divide and secrete new matrix from within to expand the cartilage. - As the skeleton develops, most cartilage is replaced by bone, except in areas that require flexibility like joints. Understanding bone and cartilage anatomy is important for working with patients with bone diseases.