(anatomy, uncountable) A usually translucent and somewhat elastic, dense, nonvascular connective tissue found in various forms in the larynx and respiratory tract, in structures such as the external ear, and in the articulating surfaces of joints. It composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos, being replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates.

Alternative form of cartilaginous

plural of cartilage

(anatomy) The largest cartilage in the larynx; the Adam’s apple

(anatomy) A ring of hyaline cartilage which articulates with the lower cornua of the thyroid cartilage and with which the arytenoid cartilages articulate; it forms the inferior wall of the larynx.

plural of cricoid cartilage

(anatomy) A tough, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints, outer ear, and larynx. A major constituent of the embryonic and young vertebrate skeleton, it is converted largely to bone with maturation.

plural of articular cartilage

a translucent bluish-white type of cartilage

(anatomy) Either of a pair of small cartilages at the back of the larynx to which the vocal cords are attached, used in the production of different kinds of voice quality (for example, creaky voice).