Elastic cartilage differs from hyaline cartilage by containing what component?

• A. Elastic fibers
• B. Nerve fibers
• C. Calcium deposits
• D. Hyaline matrix

Answer: (A)

Elastic cartilage stands out because its extracellular matrix is packed with elastic fibers, giving tissue a high degree of flexibility and resilience. Those elastic fibers let structures like the external ear and the epiglottis bend and then spring back to shape. Hyaline cartilage, while still strong and smooth, lacks this elastic fiber network and relies mainly on type II collagen and proteoglycans for support, making it sturdy but less flexible. Cartilage is avascular and typically lacks nerves, so nerve fibers aren’t a distinguishing feature, and calcium deposits aren’t a defining component of the normal matrix. In short, the presence of elastic fibers is what defines elastic cartilage.