Which form of cartilage is found on the articulating surfaces of bones?

Which form of cartilage is found on the articulating surfaces of bones?

• A. Elastic cartilage
• B. Hyaline cartilage
• C. Fibrocartilage
• D. Fibrous cartilage

Answer: (B)

Articular (joint) surfaces are covered by hyaline cartilage because it creates a smooth, low-friction surface well-suited to gliding motions in synovial joints. This type of cartilage is rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, which attract water and help it resist compressive loads while staying relatively resilient. It’s avascular, relying on synovial fluid for nutrients and waste exchange, which suits the thin, load-bearing layer at the ends of bones. Elastic cartilage, found in the ear and epiglottis, provides flexibility; fibrocartilage, which is tougher and resists heavy compression and shearing (as in intervertebral discs or menisci), does not form the smooth covering of joint ends. Hence, the cartilage on articulating surfaces is hyaline cartilage.

Articular (joint) surfaces are covered by hyaline cartilage because it creates a smooth, low-friction surface well-suited to gliding motions in synovial joints. This type of cartilage is rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, which attract water and help it resist compressive loads while staying relatively resilient. It’s avascular, relying on synovial fluid for nutrients and waste exchange, which suits the thin, load-bearing layer at the ends of bones. Elastic cartilage, found in the ear and epiglottis, provides flexibility; fibrocartilage, which is tougher and resists heavy compression and shearing (as in intervertebral discs or menisci), does not form the smooth covering of joint ends. Hence, the cartilage on articulating surfaces is hyaline cartilage.