Which of the following describes the primary structural difference between elastic cartilage and hyaline cartilage?
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Correct answer: Elastic cartilage has a dense network of elastic fibers.
While both hyaline and elastic cartilage contain Type II collagen and proteoglycans, elastic cartilage is distinguished by a high concentration of elastic fibers. These fibers provide the tissue with significant flexibility and the ability to withstand repeated bending.
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More Elastic Cartilage questions
- Which specific histological stain is most effective for demonstrating the fiber network in elastic cartilage?
- In which of the following anatomical locations is elastic cartilage primarily found?
- Which of the following is TRUE regarding the perichondrium of elastic cartilage?
- How do the chondrocytes of elastic cartilage typically appear compared to those in hyaline cartilage?
- Which protein is the main component of the branching fibers found in this tissue?
- Unlike hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage does NOT typically undergo which of the following processes during aging?