Yes, cartilage is primarily made of collagen.
Collagen is the major structural protein in cartilage, comprising a significant portion of its dry weight. Specifically, collagen constitutes about 60% of the dry weight of cartilage. Type II collagen is the most abundant type, making up 90% to 95% of the collagen present in the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). This type II collagen forms fibrils and fibers that are intertwined with proteoglycan aggregates, providing the tissue with its tensile strength and resilience. This network helps cartilage withstand mechanical stress and maintain its shape.
In summary, while cartilage contains other components such as cells (chondrocytes), proteoglycans, and water, collagen, especially type II collagen, is its main structural component.
