Car"ti*lage (?), n. [L. cartilago; cf. F. cartilage.] Anat.
A translucent, elastic tissue; gristle.
⇒ Cartilage contains no vessels, and consists of a homogeneous, intercellular matrix, in which there are numerous minute cavities, or capsules, containing protoplasmic cells, the cartilage corpuscul. See Illust under Duplication.
Articular cartilage, cartilage that lines the joints. -- Cartilage bone Anat., any bone formed by the ossification of cartilage. -- Costal cartilage, cartilage joining a rib with he sternum. See Illust. of Thorax.
© Webster 1913.