Cartilage and bone are connective tissues that provide structure and support. There are three main types of cartilage - hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. Hyaline cartilage is the most common and forms joints, respiratory airways, and parts of long bones. It contains chondrocytes and an extracellular matrix with collagen fibers and proteoglycans. Bone is a calcified connective tissue that provides structure, protects organs, and stores calcium. It is formed through intramembranous or endochondral ossification and contains osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and an extracellular matrix with collagen and hydroxyapatite. Cartilage and bone are maintained through the actions of regulatory factors like par