Which cartilage type is typically found on articular surfaces of joints?

Which cartilage type is typically found on articular surfaces of joints?

• A. Elastic cartilage
• B. Hyaline cartilage
• C. Fibrocartilage
• D. Reticular cartilage

Answer: (B)

Articular (joint) surfaces are covered by a smooth, glassy cartilage that provides a low-friction, load-distributing surface. This tissue is hyaline cartilage, the most common cartilage in the skeleton, rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans to create a slick, resilient surface for normal joint movement. Elastic cartilage, by contrast, provides flexible support in structures like the ear and epiglottis, not for joints. Fibrocartilage is tougher and found in areas that endure heavy compression or shear, such as intervertebral discs and the menisci, but the actual articular ends of bones are hyaline. Reticular cartilage isn’t a typical cartilage type described in joints. Hence, hyaline cartilage is the correct choice.

Articular (joint) surfaces are covered by a smooth, glassy cartilage that provides a low-friction, load-distributing surface. This tissue is hyaline cartilage, the most common cartilage in the skeleton, rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans to create a slick, resilient surface for normal joint movement. Elastic cartilage, by contrast, provides flexible support in structures like the ear and epiglottis, not for joints. Fibrocartilage is tougher and found in areas that endure heavy compression or shear, such as intervertebral discs and the menisci, but the actual articular ends of bones are hyaline. Reticular cartilage isn’t a typical cartilage type described in joints. Hence, hyaline cartilage is the correct choice.