GLOSSARY

Type II collagen is a collagen type with thinner fibres that forms the main fibrous component of cartilage and is produced by cartilage cells, or chondrocytes.

Locations

Hyaline cartilage (such as articular and costal cartilage), the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, and the vitreous humour of the eye.

Function

Type II collagen fibres form a three-dimensional network that traps water-loving proteoglycans; this combination gives cartilage both compressive resistance