Which feature distinguishes elastic cartilage from hyaline cartilage?

Which feature distinguishes elastic cartilage from hyaline cartilage?

• A. Ground substance
• B. Chondrocytes
• C. Collagen type II
• D. Elastic fibers

Answer: (D)

Elastic cartilage is distinguished by its extracellular matrix containing a dense network of elastic fibers, which give the tissue notable flexibility and the ability to rebound after bending. This elastic component allows structures like the external ear and epiglottis to bend and return to shape. Hyaline cartilage, on the other hand, has a matrix rich in ground substance and type II collagen but lacks a significant network of elastic fibers, so it is more rigid and less able to recoil. Both tissues share chondrocytes in lacunae and predominantly type II collagen, but the presence of elastic fibers is the key difference that provides the extra elasticity in elastic cartilage.

Elastic cartilage is distinguished by its extracellular matrix containing a dense network of elastic fibers, which give the tissue notable flexibility and the ability to rebound after bending. This elastic component allows structures like the external ear and epiglottis to bend and return to shape. Hyaline cartilage, on the other hand, has a matrix rich in ground substance and type II collagen but lacks a significant network of elastic fibers, so it is more rigid and less able to recoil. Both tissues share chondrocytes in lacunae and predominantly type II collagen, but the presence of elastic fibers is the key difference that provides the extra elasticity in elastic cartilage.