198 CARTILAGINOUS SYSTEM. 



) 



3. The granulations in wounds of this tissue, besides 

 other evidences, particularly the spongy appearances in 

 diseased cartilage. 



Properties of the Cartilaginous System. 



Q. What physical property is most eminently possess- 

 ed by cartilage? 



.#. Elasticity, and this is greatest in adults. 



Q. Where are cartilages placed, and what general prin- 

 ciples govern their location? 



*ft. They are placed where a peculiar union of physical 

 properties as well as vital forces are necessary to the 

 functions of parts. 



Q. What elementary constituent contributes mainly to 

 the elasticity of parts of the body ? 



ft.. Perhaps it is more owing to the proportion of gela- 

 tine than to any thing else. 



Q. Are the properties of texture much developed in 

 cartilage ? 



JL. Extensibility and contractility are scarcely observa- 

 ble in cartilage. 



Q. What vital properties belong to cartilage? 



*#. The functions of cartilage imply insensible organic 

 contractility and organic sensibility. Animal sensibility 

 is developed only in their diseases. Animal contractility 

 is foreign from them. Sympathies, either active or passive, 

 are inoperative with cartilages. 



Q. What then is the general character of the vital pro- 

 perties of cartilage ? , 



#. It is that they are slow in operation, and obscure in 

 existence; and consequently their diseases are chronic. 



