Type II collagen is specific for cartilaginous tissues. It is essential for the normal embryonic development of the skeleton, for linear growth and for the ability of cartilage to resist compressive forces.

The extensive family of COL gene products (collagens) is composed of several chain types, including fibril-forming interstitial collagens (types I, II, III and V) and basement membrane collagens (type IV), each type containing multiple isoforms. Collagens are fibrous, extracellular matrix proteins with high tensile strength and are the major components of connective tissue, such as tendons and cartilage. All collagens contain a triple helix domain and frequently show lateral self-association in order to form complex connective tissues. Several collagens also play a role in cell adhesion, important for maintaining normal tissue architecture and function. In cartilage, Collagen Type II constitutes the bulk of the fibril. Sensitization with Collagen Type II induces an erosive polyarthritis in rats, mice and higher primates which can resemble rheumatoid arthritis and relapsing polychrondritis.