This chapter examines the human articular cartilage (AC) in its various phases of growth and maturation. Articular dissections have been performed on embryos, fetuses, newborns, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, and we have assessed the color, thickness, and hardness, both during the growth phase, which extends from birth to 17 years, and in the maturation phase from 17 to 24 years. The thickness of the AC varies with age and even in different areas of the same joint, depending on the load it bears. The thickness of the AC ranges from 1.5 to 5 mm, with the patella being the thickest and the ankle, despite being very thin, being the most resistant. The AC is white due to the lack of blood supply and serves as a load absorber that wears down, with low cell density, abundant extracellular matrix, and no regenerative capacity, in addition to lacking nerves and lymphatics.