what type of tissue is cartilage

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that protects the bones and joints by reducing friction and working as a shock absorber. It is found throughout the body, including in joints, the nose, and ears. There are three types of cartilage in the human body: hyaline, fibrous, and elastic cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most common type and is found in joints and caps the ends of bones. It is slippery and smooth, which helps bones move smoothly past each other in joints. Fibrous cartilage has many collagen fibers and is found in intervertebral discs and the pubic symphysis. Elastic cartilage is found in the external ear and epiglottis. The primary cell that makes cartilage is the chondrocyte, which resides within the lacunae.