GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Unlike bone, cartilage does not have calcium in the matrix. Instead, it contains high amounts of chondroitin, which is the material that provides elasticity and flexibility.

Detailed explanation-2: -Elastic cartilage provides strength, and elasticity, and maintains the shape of certain structure such as the external ear. It has a perichondrium. This is a diagram of elastic cartilage.

Detailed explanation-3: -The outer fibrous layer of the perichondrium is rich in elastic fibers. The matrix of elastic cartilage possesses abundant fine-to-coarse branching elastic fibers interspersed with type II collagen fiber bundles, giving it much more flexibility than the matrix of hyaline cartilage (Figs. 7.5 and 7.6).

Detailed explanation-4: -Fibrocartilage (fibrous cartilage) is essentially hyaline cartilage + type I collagen fibers added to the matrix. Obviously, this provides more tensile strength, and is found in intervertebral disks and pubic symphysis.