Cartilages are specialized connective tissues that are ubiquitous throughout the human body. This chapter begins by describing the biochemical composition, organization, and various functions of the four cartilage types: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, elastic cartilage, and lipocartilage. It further explores embryological origins, the development of cartilages, and the influence of biomechanical and biochemical cues. The section concludes by examining aging, injury, and degeneration of the various cartilage types. Together, this chapter provides a foundational understanding of the different cartilage types as a background for the subsequent chapters on specific native cartilages and cartilage tissue-engineering strategies.