We shall study bones and joints later, but at this stage just appreciate that joint-forming surfaces of bone are covered by hyaline cartilage. Even though cartilage is tough tissue, it does not have calcium, and radiologically similar to ‘soft’ tissues. The clear bands (arrows) between the bones are areas of cartilage. This is an image of the elbow.

In this image of a part of the lumbar vertebral column, observe the bands by the sides of the vertebrae (Shown by the double-headed arrow on the right side). What do you think they are?