The perichondrium surrounding hyaline cartilage is primarily composed of which connective tissue type?

The perichondrium surrounding hyaline cartilage is primarily composed of which connective tissue type?

• A. Dense regular connective tissue
• B. Dense irregular connective tissue
• C. Elastic connective tissue
• D. Areolar connective tissue

Answer: (B)

The perichondrium around hyaline cartilage is a vascularized sheath that gives nutrients and mechanical support to the cartilage. It is made primarily of dense irregular connective tissue, with collagen fibers arranged in multiple directions to resist tension from any angle. This outer fibrous layer provides strength, while an inner chondrogenic layer contains cells that can become chondrocytes to support growth and repair. The other tissue types don’t fit this protective, multi-directional-strength role: dense regular connective tissue has fibers aligned in one direction for tendons and ligaments, elastic connective tissue is rich in elastic fibers for stretch, and areolar connective tissue is loose and less resistant to stress.

The perichondrium around hyaline cartilage is a vascularized sheath that gives nutrients and mechanical support to the cartilage. It is made primarily of dense irregular connective tissue, with collagen fibers arranged in multiple directions to resist tension from any angle. This outer fibrous layer provides strength, while an inner chondrogenic layer contains cells that can become chondrocytes to support growth and repair. The other tissue types don’t fit this protective, multi-directional-strength role: dense regular connective tissue has fibers aligned in one direction for tendons and ligaments, elastic connective tissue is rich in elastic fibers for stretch, and areolar connective tissue is loose and less resistant to stress.