Does most cartilage have perichondrium?

Does most cartilage have perichondrium?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. All do
• D. Some do

Answer: (B)

Cartilage is avascular, so it relies on a surrounding dense connective tissue layer called the perichondrium to supply nutrients and provide a source of cells for growth and repair. This sheath covers most types of cartilage, especially hyaline and elastic cartilage, making perichondrium the normal condition for many cartilaginous structures. There are important exceptions: articular cartilage that lines joints lacks a perichondrium to keep surfaces smooth, and fibrocartilage generally does not have one either. Because these exceptions exist but most cartilage is enveloped by perichondrium, the statement is true.

Cartilage is avascular, so it relies on a surrounding dense connective tissue layer called the perichondrium to supply nutrients and provide a source of cells for growth and repair. This sheath covers most types of cartilage, especially hyaline and elastic cartilage, making perichondrium the normal condition for many cartilaginous structures. There are important exceptions: articular cartilage that lines joints lacks a perichondrium to keep surfaces smooth, and fibrocartilage generally does not have one either. Because these exceptions exist but most cartilage is enveloped by perichondrium, the statement is true.