Cartilage is considered a specialized connective tissue and not connective tissue proper. It has semisolid gel made principally of the glycosaminoglycans chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. The gel gives the cartilage a distinct shape, lots of water turgor, and flexibility. Cells in cartilage are found within spaces called lacunae. The lacuna allows the cell to be bathed in fluid from which it receives nutrients and gets rid of wastes by diffusion. Substances diffuse very slowly through the gel and cartilage itself is avascular.