资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cartilage \Car"ti*lage\, n. [L. cartilago; cf. F. cartilage.]
   (Anat.)
   A translucent, elastic tissue; gristle.

   Note: Cartilage contains no vessels, and consists of a
         homogeneous, intercellular matrix, in which there are
         numerous minute cavities, or capsules, containing
         protoplasmic cells, the cartilage corpuscul. See Illust
         under {Duplication}.

   {Articular cartilage}, cartilage that lines the joints.

   {Cartilage bone} (Anat.), any bone formed by the ossification
      of cartilage.

   {Costal cartilage}, cartilage joining a rib with he sternum.
      See Illust. of {Thorax}.

Costal \Cos"tal\ (k?s"tal), a. [Cf. F. costal. See {Costa}.]
   1. (Anat.) Pertaining to the ribs or the sides of the body;
      as, costal nerves.

   2. (Bot. & Zo["o]l.) Relating to a costa, or rib.

   {Costal cartilage}. See {Cartilage}, and Illust. of {Thorax}.

资料来源 : WordNet®

costal cartilage
     n : the cartilages that connect the sternum and the ends of the
         ribs; its elasticity allows the chest to move in
         respiration