BCT Lab Practical 1 Practice Test

The main feature being tested is which collagen type forms the meshwork that gives hyaline cartilage its characteristic properties. Hyaline cartilage is rich in type II collagen, which assembles into thin fibrils that weave through the matrix alongside proteoglycans like aggrecan. This combination creates a hydrated, resilient gel that can withstand compressive forces and provide smooth joint surfaces.

Other collagen types are found in different tissues: type I is common in bone, tendon, and skin; type III appears in reticular fibers of soft organs and during early wound healing; type IV forms the basement membrane. Because hyaline cartilage relies on a network of type II collagen to maintain its structure and hydration, it is predominantly composed of this type.