hyaline cartilage

Hyaline cartilage is a smooth, glassy tissue found at the ends of bones in joints, providing a low-friction surface that facilitates smooth movement. It also forms structures like the airway rings and the initial skeleton in developing embryos. Composed mainly of water and a firm gel-like substance called extracellular matrix, it contains special cells called chondrocytes that produce this matrix. Hyaline cartilage is resilient yet flexible, acting as a cushion to absorb shocks and prevent bones from rubbing directly against each other, helping maintain healthy, pain-free movement in the body.