Chapter 6, Problem 1WYL

How do the three cartilage types differ with respect to their locations and functions in the body?

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The difference between three different types of cartilage with respect to their location and function.

Introduction:

Cartilage is the connective tissue found in different regions of the body and is soft and flexible as compared to the bone. The three different cartilage tissues are hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage is as follows

No.	Characteristics	Hyaline cartilage	Fibrocartilage	Elastic cartilage
1.	Location	Hyaline cartilage is found in the nose, joints, parts of the larynx, ears, trachea, and respiratory tubes.	Fibrous cartilage is found in the spine and the menisci	Elastic cartilage is found in the external ear flaps and parts of the larynx
2.	Function	It provides smooth surface for sliding tissues in joints	It provides support and rigidity to the attached structures	It provides flexibility to the structure for repeated bending.
3.	Strength	This cartilage is stronger than elastic cartilage but weaker than fibrocartilage	It is the strongest cartilage.	It is the weakest cartilage.