Concept: Cartilage is a strong, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body. It provides support, cushioning, and reduces friction between bones.
Step 1: Common locations of Cartilage in the human body
Nose: The external part of the nose (septum and wings) is largely supported by cartilage, giving it shape and flexibility.
Ear: The external ear (pinna or auricle) is made of elastic cartilage, which provides its flexible structure. The Eustachian tube also contains cartilage.
Trachea (Windpipe) and Bronchi: These airways are kept open by C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage, preventing them from collapsing during breathing.
Joints: Articular cartilage (a type of hyaline cartilage) covers the ends of bones in synovial joints, providing a smooth surface for movement and absorbing shock.
Intervertebral Discs: Found between the vertebrae of the spine, these discs have an outer layer of fibrocartilage and act as shock absorbers.
Larynx (Voice Box): Contains several cartilages that support its structure and function in voice production.
Ends of Ribs (Costal Cartilage): Connects ribs to the sternum.
Step 2: Analyzing the options
(1) Nose: Cartilage is present in the structure of the nose.
(2) Ear: The external ear (pinna) is made of cartilage.
(3) Kidney: The kidney is an organ primarily composed of specialized epithelial and connective tissues forming nephrons and collecting ducts, involved in filtering blood and producing urine. It does not contain cartilage as a structural component. It has a fibrous capsule.
(4) Trachea: The trachea (windpipe) is supported by rings of cartilage.
Step 3: Identifying where cartilage is not present
Based on the analysis, cartilage is not a structural component of the Kidney.