Chapter 6, Problem 1CYU

Which type of cartilage is most plentiful in the adult body?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The type of cartilage, which is found in the abundance in the body of an adult.

Introduction:

Skeletal cartilage is basically composed of some different cartilage tissue that are manufactured in order to fit its body function and location. Cartilage is known mainly comprise water that reckons for the resilience. Resilience is basically the capability to spring back to the normal shape after being compressed. Cartilages are of three types, namely, fibro, elastic, and hyaline cartilage.

Explanation of Solution

Chondrocytes are the cells that form the basic component of all the cartilages. These are present in an extracellular matrix that contains fibers and a jelly-like ground substance and is encased in lacunae (small cavities). The three types of cartilages are:

1. Fibrocartilages: They have the great tensile strength and are highly compressible. They contain chondrocytes arranged roughly parallel to each other. These chondrocytes alternate with collagen fibers.

2. Hyaline cartilages: They are the skeletal cartilages found in abundance. They are resilient and flexible, providing support. They contain spherical chondrocytes and fine collagen fibers in their matrix.

3. Elastic cartilages: They are somewhat like hyaline cartilages. However, they have elastic fibers that can stretch more and can bend repeatedly.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that hyaline cartilage is most plentiful in the body of an adult.