Which cartilage type is primarily found in weight-bearing joints and often lacks a perichondrium?

Which cartilage type is primarily found in weight-bearing joints and often lacks a perichondrium?

• A. Hyaline Cartilage
• B. Elastic Cartilage
• C. Bone
• D. Fibrocartilage

Answer: (D)

Weight-bearing joints need a cartilage that can withstand heavy compressive and shear forces, while also integrating with surrounding tissues. Fibrocartilage fits this role because its matrix is loaded with dense collagen fibers, giving it exceptional tensile and compressive strength. This tough tissue is found in structures that endure a lot of load, such as the knee menisci and intervertebral discs, and it often lacks a surrounding perichondrium, allowing it to blend with ligaments, bone, and other tissues under stress. Hyline cartilage provides smooth, low-friction surfaces for joints, which is essential for movement, but it isn’t the primary tissue designed to bear the heavy loads in many weight-bearing joints. Elastic cartilage is flexible and supports structures like the ear and epiglottis, not load-bearing joints. Bone is not cartilage at all.

Weight-bearing joints need a cartilage that can withstand heavy compressive and shear forces, while also integrating with surrounding tissues. Fibrocartilage fits this role because its matrix is loaded with dense collagen fibers, giving it exceptional tensile and compressive strength. This tough tissue is found in structures that endure a lot of load, such as the knee menisci and intervertebral discs, and it often lacks a surrounding perichondrium, allowing it to blend with ligaments, bone, and other tissues under stress.

Hyline cartilage provides smooth, low-friction surfaces for joints, which is essential for movement, but it isn’t the primary tissue designed to bear the heavy loads in many weight-bearing joints. Elastic cartilage is flexible and supports structures like the ear and epiglottis, not load-bearing joints. Bone is not cartilage at all.