Cartilaginous tissues are integral to various biological functions, especially in vertebrates. Unlike bone, cartilage is flexible and resilient, which makes it crucial in parts of the body that need to endure pressure or allow movement, such as joints, the ears, and the nose. The term "cartilaginous" has a specific application in biology, particularly in the classification of certain fish species, like sharks, that have cartilage-based skeletons. These fish are referred to as "cartilaginous fish," and they are part of a distinct evolutionary group separate from bony fish.
Understanding cartilaginous structures is vital in fields like orthopedics and tissue engineering, where the regeneration or replacement of cartilage is a critical area of research. Cartilage plays a role in both joint movement and cushioning, making its study crucial for developing treatments for joint-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis.